'HIGH-class' professional cycle-racing returned to Wirral for the first time in more than half a century when the Leverhulme Grand Prix took place.

Hundreds of cyclists and spectators descended on Birkenhead Park for the event, the first of its kind, on Sunday.

A packed schedule saw races held for juniors, youths, women, para, club and elite cyclists.

In total, 161 competitors took part across the day coming from clubs and universities across the UK.

The elite race came down to a photo finish with Simon Wilson of Ribble Cycling pipping teammate Daniel Bigham on the line.

It was the brainchild of Pedalare, which promotes cycling as a leisure pursuit, supported by Birkenhead North End Cycling Club, Cycling UK and British Cycling.

Leverhulme Estates was the event's principal sponsor.

Other sponsors included Bikeline, FUEL10K and Bike Factory.

Andy Mills, of Pedalare, said: "We could not have been more pleased with how the day went.

"We still had entries being taken on the morning of the race and, in the case of the juniors and youths, there was a queue outside of the gates to register, handled superbly by volunteers from Birkenhead North End Cycling Club.

"The quality of racing throughout the day was of the highest standard with some thrilling finishes.”

Michael Benson, chairman of Trustees at Leverhulme Estates, and Cllr Geoffrey Watt, Mayor of Wirral, presented prizes to the winners.

Andy Mills added: "The feedback we received during the day from competitors and spectators was incredible and we now look forward to building on this success with something even bigger next year."

Nigel McGurk, of Leverhulme Estates, said: "We were delighted to be principal sponsor of an event that not only showcased how exciting top-class cycling is, but also highlighted what a fantastic leisure activity cycling can be for all the family."

The full list of winners were:

Leverhulme Grand Prix:

  • Simon Wilson
  • Daniel Bigham
  • Morvelo Basso

Bike Factory Crit:

  • Stephen Stoneman
  • Josh Whitehead
  • Olly Howarth

FUEL10K Women's Open:

  • Madeleine Scott
  • Kim Baptista
  • Gemma Sargent

National Paracycling Race:

  • Chris McDonald
  • Alex Brooke-Turner
  • Luke Jones

A Boys:

  • Daniels Kucerjavijs
  • Adam Smith,
  • Thomas Hay

A Girls:

  • Isabelle McKinnon,
  • Lwsi Gocher

B Boys:

  • Aaron Dodd
  • Nathan Smith
  • Isaac Lawrence

B Girls: 

Anna Hay

C Boys:

  • Thomas Whealer
  • Michael Postlethwaite
  • Oscar Lloyd

C Girls:

  • Natasha Hill
  • Evelyn Field
  • Jamie-Leigh Lloyd

Detailed results can be found at www.results.sporthive.com

The borough has a distinguished history of staging professional cycle racing with Wallasey a regular venue until the 1960s, while New Brighton once held the World Championships as far back as 1922.