Shrewsbury Grand Prix expected to generate thousands of pounds for local economy

It follows the success of last year’s inaugural Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix which organisers today revealed generated more than £150,000 of additional spending in the town.

Race organiser Ben Lawrence said businesses in and around Shrewsbury reported a substantial increase in takings on race day with thousands of cycling fans spending on food, drink and accommodation.

He said: “The figures we have compiled show that as well as being a great day out, the event also provided a significant financial boost to the town, with cycling fans spending tens of thousands of pounds.

“It puts us on a financial par with other big events like the Shrewsbury Food Festival which generated around £180,000 in spending in its first year in 2013 and the Cartoon Festival, which proved to be a big draw with tourists spending close to £200,000.

“Cafes, pubs, restaurants and hotels benefitted most from the additional spending during the Grand Prix and we are forecasting the town will benefit from another huge financial boost on Sunday May 31 when the event returns to the streets of Shrewsbury.

“Business owners are once again throwing their weight behind the event which is fantastic and we are grateful to all our sponsors for their continued support, particularly headline sponsors Stan’s Cycles.

“We are very excited about the Grand Prix returning for the second year and hope the people of Shrewsbury will turn out and support cyclists in the same way they did last year.”

Launched by the Paramount Cycle Club in 2014, the Grand Prix was the first road race to be held in Shrewsbury for more than 20 years.

It attracted more than 10,000 spectators and riders from across the UK including Olympic gold medalist and British Champion Joanna Rowsell MBE.

This year’s event, which has the full backing of British Cycling, is set to include a series of high speed crit races including a 30 minute youth race, a 45 minute women’s only race, a 50 minute amateur race and a 60 minute professional race.

The event will form part of the Shrewsbury Festival of Cycling which gets underway on Saturday May 30 with the Stan’s Cycles Shropshire Sportive, raising money for Severn Hospice.

Mr Lawrence, managing director of Beaumont Lawrence, which is sponsoring the Grand Prix along with Stan’s Cycles, Hatchers Solicitors, Pure Telecom and Cooper Green Pooks, said it was gearing up to be an action packed weekend of cycling.

“Entries to all four races in the Grand Prix are filling up quick and we are expecting some very talented riders to compete so it should be a fantastic day of racing,” he said.

“The Sportive on the Saturday will get everyone in the cycling mood and will be an opportunity for cyclists of all abilities to get out on their bikes.

“With two distances to choose from, 51 miles and 73 miles, and the opportunity to ride the Grand Prix circuit ahead of the professionals it should be a fantastic fun day.”

The sportive will be followed by a pasta party in The Square served up by local restaurant Eat Up.

For further details about the sportive and Grand Prix visit the website at www.shrewsburygrandprix.co.uk.