Low numbers force cancellation of Shropshire cycling sportive
A charity cycling sportive due to be held the day before Shrewsbury’s Grand Prix event has been cancelled.
More than 100 riders have already signed up for the Shrewsbury Grand Prix on May 31 with organisers expecting a last minute flurry of entrants over the next couple of weeks.
The Grand Prix will go ahead as planned but the sportive, due to be held on May 30 and raise money for the Severn Hospice, has been cancelled due to low numbers.
Race organiser Ben Lawrence, managing director of Beaumont Lawrence which is sponsoring the event, said: “The men’s amateur race in the Shrewsbury Grand Prix, which will draw riders from local clubs across the country, is already full and we believe many riders do not want to tire themselves in a sportive the day before the event.
“May 30 is also the practice day for the Shropshire Triathlon which means a lot of cyclists will have other commitments.
“We had hoped that the sportive would attract enough numbers to run but the decision has been made to cancel it this year.”
Places in the Shrewsbury Grand Prix men’s and women’s elite races are filling up fast, according to event organisers the Paramount Cycle Club, and a 30 minute youth race will also feature, giving young riders the chance to display their talents in front of thousands of spectators.
The course will run around part of the town centre with The Square being the hub of the event.
Racing will start at 3pm with the ladies only race, followed by the youth race at 4pm, elite race at 5pm and mens amateur race at 6pm.
The route will take riders from The Square along High Street, Shoplatch, St Johns Hill, Cross Hill, Swan Hill, College Hill, Princess Street, Milk Street and then back on to the High Street.
Mr Lawrence added: “The course will be open for the public to ride between 1pm and 3pm and we would encourage anyone interested in cycling who would like to try it to get out there and give it a go.”
