Bike race coming to Dudley for Black Country Day
DUDLEY is set to host an elite level British Cycling event this summer as the town builds on the success of last year’s Commonwealth Games.
The Dudley Grand Prix circuit race event will be held in the town on July 14 to coincide with Black Country Day celebrations taking place in the borough.
The event, which is part of the men’s and women’s national circuit series, is expected to attract famous names from the world of cycling including British Olympic champions.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
“This is a really exciting opportunity for Dudley. We’re thrilled to be hosting elite sports again in the borough on the back of the success of last year’s Commonwealth Games cycling time trials.
“The events saw thousands of people line the streets to watch the action and we’re hopeful that this event will give local people plenty to be excited about too, so they can visit the town and see world class sports on the doorstep.
“This national level event will help raise the profile even further of Black Country Day. It will be a key event as part of our celebrations throughout the month of July to celebrate the culture and heritage of our area.”
While full details of the event are yet to be finalised, it is expected to run from late afternoon and will offer local residents the chance to get involved on their bikes before the elite racing takes centre stage.
Members of Stourbridge Cycling Club have worked with British Cycling, Dudley Council and Generation Pro Cycle Events to help put the borough on the map and secure its place in the circuit series calendar.
Lee Wood of Stourbridge Cycling Club, said: “Being born and bred in Dudley I was thrilled with last year’s Commonwealth Games and approached the council about the possibility of this kind of event.
“I’m so pleased with the support from British Cycling and Dudley Council we’ve been able to turn our dream into a reality. We’re now really looking forward to supporting on the event planning and making it a huge success.”
The circuit will run on roads around the town centre on a route which will total just over one kilometre. It will be designed to minimise disruption to the road network.
For further details on the event, go to www.dudleygrandprix.com