Concerns over state of our roads as city bids to host cycling showpieces

COUNCIL APPLYING TO STAGE THREE OF THE BIGGEST RACES IN UK

THE quality of Derby’s roads has been questioned ahead of an expected bid to become a host city for three major cycling events.

Derby City Council is set to make submissions to host the races following initial discussions with UK cycling bosses.

The events include the Cycle Tour Series, the Women’s Tour and the Tour of Britain. They are among the biggest events in the UK cycling calendar.

If the green light is given, Derby could be hosting a race day as part of the Cycle Tour Series as early as next year.

It is hoped the events will inspire the next generation of cyclists and allow families to enjoy a day of racing with loved ones, as well as benefit from investment and cash income opportunities arising from a successful bid.

Derby City Council’s ruling Conservative cabinet was set to approve the submission of the bids at a meeting yesterday afternoon.

And the plans were greeted with significant excitement by councillors at Tuesday night’s executive scrutiny meeting.

However, Liberal Democrat Lucy Care asked council chiefs if the streets in Derby were “smooth” enough for the best cyclists in the world, and how any problems would be solved.

If Derby’s bid to host any or all three of the events is successful, then a city route will be planned for each event. So far, it is not known which roads could be used.

Littleover councillor Ms Care said: “I hope the aspirations of persuading people to cycle more because they’ve watched really speedy cyclists works. I don’t think the 2012 London Olympics inspired us to be a country of energetic sports people.

“My question is about the renewal of roads to ensure they’ll be smooth enough to be ridden on at speed, because some of our roads at the moment are not as good as they might be.

“Is there going to be an additional budget provided, or do we have to find it ourselves to ensure the race roads are to a very good standard?”

Labour councillor and chair of the executive scrutiny, Martin Repton, summarised Councillor Care’s question, and in doing so described some of the city’s roads as “dubious”.

Claire Davenport, director for leisure, culture and tourism, said a process would start to ensure the race roads would be smooth and to a high quality for competitors.

She said: “The responsibility for pothole repairs, road quality and road sweeping does become the host city’s responsibility.

“We would work with the event organisers to identify the route and, depending on that route, we would take an audit to determine what works are potentially required and whether these would be already in the programme for highways or not.”

Conservative councillor Nicola Roulstone said news of the potential bids was great for Derby.

She said: “I think this is really positive. If we can share in the glory of recent sporting achievements like the Lionesses, such as the Women’s Tour event, then that will be really positive for the city.” Labour councillor Alison Martin added: “I welcome the possibility of having these events in the city. We needs events in the city for people, and I think cycling is popular in Derby.“

My question is about the renewal of roads to ensure they’ll be smooth enough to be ridden on at speed Coun Lucy Care