The Lincoln Grand Prix lost a friend and valuable race official with the sad and untimely death of Brian Cossavella, who passed away suddenly on March 1st. Brian was well known for organising the world masters track championships in Manchester. He also organised many other major events, including the 1996 world track championships, the Cleveland Grand Prix and the 1997 world table tennis championships. Brian had for many years taken on the responsibility as the driver and assistant to the Chief Race official at the Lincoln Grand Prix and a special award has now been established in his memory.

The elegant silver trophy, to be known as ‘The Brian Cossavella Michaelgate Trophy’, will be awarded to the rider gaining the most points on each lap of the Grand Prix as it crosses the finish line following the 1 in 6 cobbled climb of Lincoln’s Michaelgate, with the first three riders each lap being awarded 3, 2 and 1 points.

The trophy competition will have its own prize list with £100 going to the winner, £60 to second place and £40 to third place. The new annual award is being sponsored by Rotherham-based Universal Cycle Centre and owner Dave Marsh will make the presentation in Lincoln’s Castle Square.

Dave said ‘ Brian was well known to everybody in the sport and was a regular race official at the Lincoln Grand Prix. He was also a good friend to me and I am pleased to be able to support this special award in his memory’.

The race starts from Lincoln’s Yarborough Leisure Centre at 10 am on Sunday, May 11th and finishes in Lincoln’s Castle Square at 1.30 pm after 11 laps of the 8 mile circuit.