Thousands expected at Shrewsbury Grand Prix cycle race
Thousands of people are due to line the streets of Shrewsbury today for the return of a major cycle race.
Excitement has been building all week and race organisers say everything ready for a fantastic day of cycling.
Race organiser Ben Lawrence said: “It’s going to be an action packed day of racing and we really hope people from all over Shropshire and further afield will come to the town to take part and support the event.
“It has taken months of organising but everything is now in place for a fantastic day of racing.”
Road closures will be put in place from 8am this morning and the race circuit will open to the public from 1pm.
This is a chance for cyclists young and old to ride the course ahead of the competitors.
The race action will then get underway at 3pm with the Pure Telecom Womens Pro Crit Race, followed by the Hatchers Youth Race at 4pm.
The main event - the Stan’s Cycles Pro Race - will take place at 5pm with a top field of riders drawn from the local, regional and national circuit. Competitors will race for 60 minutes with the top riders reaching speeds of up to 40mph.
The racing will finish with the Cooper Green Pooks Amateur Race at 6pm.
All races will start and finish in The Square and the route will take riders 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.
Visitors will benefit from reduced parking fees on long stay car parks around the town.
Organised by the Paramount Cycle Team, the Shrewsbury Grand Prix is a British Cycling backed event and a nationally ranked race.
The event is sponsored by Beaumont Lawrence, Stan’s Cycles, Pure Telecom, Hatchers Solicitors, Cooper Green Pooks, Bensons and Walnut Renovation.
Watch the event live online at http://www.shrewsburygrandprix.co.uk/flash-player/
