Date revealed for next year's Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix
Preparations for next year’s Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix are underway and organisers today revealed the event will take place on Sunday May 31.
The race, which is set to attract hundreds of cyclists from across the country, will once again have the backing of British Cycling and will be a nationally ranked race.
Stan’s Cycles of Shrewsbury has been named as headline sponsor and Shropshire Council is also fully supporting the event.
It follows the success of this year’s Grand Prix, which was the first cycling race to be held in the town for decades.
Race organiser Ben Lawrence, managing director of Beaumont Lawrence and also racing team manager for the Paramount Cycle Racing Team, based in Shrewsbury, said:
“We started thinking about 2015 as soon as this year’s race was over.
“We were buzzing with excitement so wanted to keep the momentum going and we’re delighted preparations are now in full swing.
“We hope 2015 will be much bigger and better and we are thrilled that a number of top professional riders are already expressing an interest in taking part.
“Our aim is to get Shrewsbury and Shropshire firmly on the cycling map and for the Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix to become an annual fixture in the cycling calendar.
“Our first year was a great achievement and we were overwhelmed with the support we received locally.
“We very much hope the people of Shrewsbury will get behind next year’s race and will now be marking the date in their diary.”
This year’s event on May 25 saw in the region of 10,000 people descend on Shrewsbury to watch more than 130 ameatueur and professional riders, including Olympic champion Joanna Rowsell MBE, tackle a tight, fast-paced town centre circuit.
Organisers hope to include more family events in 2015 and before the racing starts a family hour ride will take place around the circuit.
This will be a chance for ordinary cyclists, young and old, to have a go at completing the race route.
“Cycling is more popular today than it has ever been with youngsters learning to ride a bike from as young as two,” said Mr Lawrence.
“There are lots of young talented riders out there so it will be a fantastic opportunity for them to get a taste of the circuit and showcase their riding skills at the Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix.”
