British cycling Dudley grand prix

Dudley Grand Prix added to National Circuit Series

British Cycling has announced an additional round for the men’s and women’s National Circuit Series, with riders taking to the start line in Dudley on July 14.

The Dudley Grand Prix will be delivered by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Stoubridge Cycling Club and Generation Pro Cycle Events, and will be the fourth round of this year’s series. The event builds on the success of last year’s Commonwealth Games in the region and coincides with Black Country Day celebrations taking place in the borough.

Confirmation of the event follows last week’s announcement that Guildford will host the third round of the series on Wednesday 5 July, and the addition of the East Cleveland Classic to the men’s and women’s National Road Series on Sunday 1 October.

British Cycling’s Acting Cycling Delivery Director, Jonathan Day, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome the Dudley Grand Prix to our National Circuit Series calendar, and would like to extend our thanks to organiser Chris Lawrence, Dudley Council and Stourbridge Cycling Club for their vital support in making it happen.

“Last year’s Commonwealth Games was a fantastic moment for the wider West Midlands region, and I know that the event team will do a fantastic job to build on that inspiration and signpost people to local opportunities to ride.

“We know that the landscape for road racing events continues to be extremely challenging, and while there is always more work to do, it’s great to see all of the team’s hard work to revitalise the national calendar.”

Councillor Patrick Harley, Leader of Dudley Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Dudley and we’re thrilled to be hosting elite sports again in the borough on the back of the success of last year’s Commonwealth Games cycling time-trials held in the borough.

“Last year, we saw thousands of people line the streets to take in the action and we’re hopeful that this event will give local people plenty to be excited about so they can visit the town and see world class sports on the doorstep.

“This national level event will help raise the profile even further of the Black Country Day as it will be a key event as part of our celebrations throughout the month of July to celebrate the culture and heritage of the area.”

Lee Wood of Stourbridge Cycling Club, said: “Being born and bred in Dudley, I was thrilled with last year’s Commonwealth Games and approached the council about the possibility of this kind of event. I’m so pleased that with the support of British Cycling and Dudley Council, we’ve been able to turn our dream into a reality and we’re now really looking forward to supporting on the event planning and making it a huge success.”

The circuit will run on roads around the town centre on a route which will total just over 1km and will be designed to minimise disruption to the road network.

Chris Lawrence, Generation Pro Cycle Events, said: “The Dudley Grand Prix will continue to build on our #inspirethenextgeneration ethos. It will give racing opportunities and a major platform of a National Circuit Series event for riders from the age of 10, right up to Olympic and world champions to shine and showcase how exciting the UK racing scene can be.”

Whilst full details of the event are yet to be finalised, it is expected to run from late afternoon and will offer the community the chance to get involved on their bikes before the elite racing takes centre stage.

For further details on the event, please see www.dudleygrandprix.com.

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