Rapha Condor JLT and Team Raleigh both had cause to celebrate as the Staffordshire Cycling Festival returned on the first weekend of the month.

Featuring a sell-out sportive and elite men and women’s racing over the two-day festival, thousands packed into Stafford Town Centre with Commonwealth Games team pursuit silver medallist Ed Clancy (Rapha Condor JLT) among the elite riders in action.

And Clancy, sandwiched by race winner Luke Grivell-Mellor and third-place Chris Opie helped to contribute to a Rapha Condor JLT clean-sweep in The Lewis Partnership Men’s Stafford Grand Prix on the Friday night.

Lauren Creamer (Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International), meanwhile, won the first stage of the Women’s Tour of Staffordshire – the final event of this year’s women’s road series.

The following day then saw 500 riders tackle the 35-mile and 70-mile sportives, with participation having doubled from the previous year despite inclement conditions early on.

Creamer then kicked off the elite racing by holding on to her overall lead on the second and final stage of the Women’s Tour of Staffordshire, which Scottish rider Jane Barr won.

And double world track champion Morgan Kneisky (Team Raleigh) rounded off the festival with victory in the Shugborough Kermesse – the fourth round of the British Cycling Grand Prix Series.

Organiser Paul Rowlands, who welcomed 10,000 people in total over the two days, admitted the turn out had far exceeded expectations.

He said: “The weekend may have seen some rain but spirits certainly weren’t dampened – we’ve seen staggering numbers of people turn out to participate and enjoy the full line up of festival events.

“The professional races were truly gripping and a real highlight. We’re thrilled to have been able to host such a high calibre of riders here in Staffordshire and are delighted to see the event go from strength-to-strength.

For more information about Staffordshire Cycling Festival visit www.ridestaffs.co.uk.