Olympic Heroes Celebrated at Salford Nocturne

Over 5000 spectators descended on Salford Quays on Saturday night, August 30, to enjoy an evening of racing and to welcome home Olympic heroes Chris Hoy, Geraint Thomas and Ed Clancy.

Olympic champions Paul Manning and Bradley Wiggins were also in attendance cheering on their team-mates from the VIP area in the Lowry.

Salford resident Chris Hoy received the biggest cheers as the riders were presented on stage. Hoy later took on Geoff Thomas in a roller race challenge providing an excellent addition to the Nocturne programme.

"It's been a great evening, I've really enjoyed it," said Hoy. "It's fantastic that Salford has been able to put on such a top event. Sport can be real inspiration for people and it's great to see so many people enjoying this event right on their doorsteps. The Quays is an exciting place and the crowds have had a stunning backdrop to watch the races."

The main event of the evening, the Pannone Elite Criterium, featured Clancy and Thomas but the Olympic champions were clearly feeling the effects of their efforts in Beijing as they struggled to challenge the other British pros. Nevertheless the race provided plenty of action on the challenging Salford Quays circuit with Science in Sport's Ian Wilkinson riding clear for an impressive solo victory.