Top cyclists ready for town’s first elite race
The Pontefract Grand Prix will bring together professional road racers and leading cycling and triathlon clubs as it wheels its way through the town centre streets on Sunday, August 10.
Local families will also be able to take part in a safe and traffic-free environment.
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Hide AdThe race has been backed by Wakefield Council in partnership with British Cycling and the Haribo Beacon Cycling Team. It will include two youth races, a men’s race and a women’s race. The cycling will end with an elite men’s race, with up to 100 professional cyclists competing for the top spot. The day will finish with a prize presentation ceremony. There will also be stalls, entertainment, catering and a hospitality zone.
Pete Williams, a former winner of the sprint jersey at the Tour of Britain, will be competing.
He said: “I’m looking forward to racing at Pontefract Grand Prix, it has all the ingredients for some dramatic racing. I think we’ll see some of the UK’s best riders putting on great show for the spectators in the first year of the event.
“It’s great to see Wakefield Council supporting the sport in the year that the Tour de France starts in Leeds, hopefully it will help inspire the next generation of racers.”
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Hide AdThe tour – similar to the famous Otley and Sheffield circuit races – will depart at 10.30am and finish around 3.30pm. Coun Les Shaw, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “This promises to be a wonderful day for the district. There is obviously a great enthusiasm for cycling and the Pontefract Grand Prix is sure to be well received.”
Visit www.pontefractgrandprix.co.uk or www.wakefield.gov.uk for more details.