Top class cycle road racing returns to Lincoln next Sunday as the Abstraction Lincoln Grand Prix takes to the streets of Lincoln and the surrounding countryside. The race, now in its 54th year, brings Continental teams to Lincoln to race against home-based Elite road racing stars and, with them, great publicity for the city, with the race now voted by both riders and public as the country’s favourite event.

The 2008 race produced a thrilling finish, with Rotherham’s Russell Downing just edging past previous year’s winner and brother Dean on the final 1-in-6 climb of Michaelgate. The race was held in superb conditions and turned out to be the fastest on record, with an average speed of 26.5 mph for the 86 miles over 11 laps of the 8 mile circuit, which includes the ascent of Michaelgate, the twists and turns through Burton Village and the gradual climb of Long Leys Road on every lap.

The 200 rider line up this year includes three foreign teams with regular visitors from The Netherlands and a new team to the race this year from Sweden led by Magnus Backstedt, well known for his win of the infamous Paris-Roubaix in 2004 and a Tour de France stage back in 1998. A strong national team from Ireland is with us this year led by David McCann who was 7th last year. the race also welcomes riders from New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Namibia, Australia, USA and the Channel Islands together with the very best of British road teams.

The Downing brothers from Rotherham are back again. Russell, having won the Grand Prix last year, went on to dominate the season-long Premier Calendar series. Other previous winners back this year are Dean Downing, Olympic medallist Chris Newton, Malcolm Elliott, Kevin Dawson, John Tanner and Kristian House. To add to the flavour there is Beijing gold medallist Ed Clancy plus his Beijing team mate Geraint Thomas, Rob Hayles, Tobyn Horton, Andy Tennant, Ian Wilkinson, Jonathan Tiernan-Locke and Yanto Barker.

The 2009 race boasts an increased prize list, with the winner of the race to be awarded £800 and a total amount on offer of £4,580, which includes a separate prize list for Under 23 riders.

Full details of the race and competitors are available on the race website