Excitement is building ahead of a top sporting event coming to Lancaster this summer.
On Sunday July 17 Williamson Park is once again the venue for the Lancaster Grand Prix, which will see some of the country’s best cyclists tackle a gruelling route through the beautiful countryside of the Forest of Bowland.
Part of British Cycling’s National Road Series, it’s the third instalment of the event, but for the first time it will also feature a women’s race.
Starting and finishing at the iconic Ashton Memorial, the action will pedal off at 9am when the field of elite women take on six laps of the nine-mile circuit.
Then, at 2pm, the men’s race will take place over the same circuit, but featuring ten laps.
A big screen in Williamson Park will live stream the whole event and there will also be entertainment throughout the day including a bouncy castle, face painting, live music, extreme mountain biking, giant bubbles, bbq, licensed bar and concessions stalls.
The race organisers have put the event together in association with British Cycling, Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council.
Brian Cookson, Chair of the race organising committee and former President of the UCI and British Cycling, said: “Once again the cream of Great Britain’s elite cyclists will be taking on the tough challenge of 100 miles of beautiful Lancashire countryside, and we are particularly proud that this edition of the Lancaster Grand Prix Cycle Races will see another landmark - the addition of a Women’s Elite event.
“Of course not everyone can be an elite cyclist, but big events are always inspirational, and as the Lancaster Grand Prix grows in stature, we are playing our part in encouraging people of all ages to take up more active lifestyles, to get out into the countryside, and enjoy themselves.”
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, encouraged people to come along and watch the action: “We really want to see more people on their bikes and making use of our excellent cycling infrastructure.
“Cycling is a great way to improve mind and body and reduce the carbon footprint of our district. Events like the Lancaster Grand Prix not only promote cycling but also raise the profile of the district.
“You don’t have to be a cycling fan to enjoy what promises to be a day of thrilling sporting action, all available to enjoy for free. There will also be a host of family activities for people to enjoy throughout the day and I hope as many people as possible will join us for what promises to be an exciting event.”
To allow the race to take place safely there will be a rolling road closure along the route, with an expert escort team from Lancashire Constabulary.
From the junction with Bay Horse Road to the junction with Little Fell Lane, Proctor Moss Road will be fully closed to all non-race traffic from 9am to 6pm. Homes along the route will be advised of the closure and how they can gain access to/from their property.
Both car parks at Williamson Park will also be closed except for vehicles directly involved in the event.
More details of the route can be found at Lancaster.gov.uk/lancaster-grand-prix.
This year for the first time, both the men’s and the women’s races will also be streamed live over the internet and a link to various internet viewing channels will be circulated via the Lancaster Grand Prix Youtube channel, Facebook page @LancasterGP, or Twitter and Instagram @LancasterGPrix.
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