Park to host Commonwealth Games road cycling time trial
WOLVERHAMPTON’S historic West Park has been named as the location for the start and finish of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games cycling time trial.
Often referred to as ‘the race of truth’, the time trial is a straight race against the clock for individual cyclists and is a real test of strength and endurance. Around 90 competitors are expected to take part across the men’s and women’s events.
West Park, which opened in 1881 and is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian parkland in the country, will provide a fitting backdrop to the start and finish of this exciting race, featuring the very best cyclists from across the Commonwealth.
Spectators will be able to line the route of the trial, giving local people and visitors a fabulous opportunity to view the drama as it unfolds.
Wolverhampton has strong links to road cycling, with the first mass-start cycling road race being held in the city in 1942.
The announcement was welcomed by Leader of Wolverhampton Council, Cllr Ian Brookfield, who said: “I am absolutely delighted that Wolverhampton has been chosen to host the start and finish of the cycling time trial for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The eyes of the world will be on the region, so this is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our magnificent city.
“Part of our commitment to relighting our city is to host world-class events, attracting thousands of visitors to Wolverhampton as a destination. Hosting this event will do exactly that, as well as inspiring our children and young people to live active and healthy lives and maybe even become the next generation of sporting stars.”
Welcomed
Cyclist Andy Tennant, who was born in Wolverhampton and still lives in the city, won silver in the Team Pursuit for Team England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and he welcomed the news that the time trial would start and finish in his home city.
Andy said: “I am absolutely delighted that West Park has been chosen as the venue for the start and finish of the time trial. It is a fantastic location and I am sure local people will welcome the news that the Commonwealth Games is coming to Wolverhampton. I also know that local cycling club members will be inspired by the news that the Commonwealth’s best cyclists will be competing right here in our city.”
Full details of the route have not yet been finalised and the organisers and local authorities will be engaging with all local stakeholders, including residents and business owners before confirming the final details.
Birmingham 2022, organisers of the Games, which will be staged from 28 July to 8 August 2022, has however confirmed that the road race will take place on a Sunday. The exact date and the details for the time trial will be unveiled in the next few weeks, when the full daily schedule for the games is set to be published.
Birmingham 2022 is working closely with partners from across the Black Country to look at a suitable route that can showcase key landmarks and the entire local area.
More information about all of the venues for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is available at www.bir mingham2022.com where you can also sign-up to receive regular updates about the Games.