Chorley to host opening national cycling race
OVER 100 top cyclists from across the country will descend on Chorley at Easter as the borough kick starts the British Cycling Elite Road Race Series for 2015.
Chorley Council has teamed up with British Cycling and Chorley Building Society to host the event that will see professional riders take on a challenging course around the borough in the first race of the season.
The prestigious event will bring thousands of visitors into Chorley 
and build on the borough’s enthusiasm for cycling. It will also showcase the beautiful borough to a European audience when the event is broadcast on Eurosport.
Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “People in Chorley have embraced cycling in recent years, particularly since the Manchester Commonwealth Games route was hosted in the borough. This enthusiasm has been reflected in the numbers of people, hundreds of them, who have taken part in our ‘Sky Rides’ which we launched last year with British Cycling.
“Hosting this elite event will top off what has been a brilliant few years for cycling and will certainly put Chorley on the map. We’re delighted to have the first Elite Series race of the new season and it should provide a boost to the local economy with lots of visitors coming to watch the race.”
British Cycling’s director of cycle sport and membership, Jonny Clay, said: “We are all excited to welcome in the new British Cycling Elite Road season and the anticipation is only increased with new location Chorley set to host the opening round.
“The region has a proud cycle sport history and I’m very hopeful that the Chorley Grand Prix could lead the way to the creation of a Tour of Lancashire in future seasons. However, for now I am simply excited about 2015 and the racing that is going to take place.
“The appetite for top-level domestic racing has rarely been higher in this country and I’m very confident that the upcoming season will continue to increase competition and conditions for riders, while also entertaining new and existing fans of the sport.”
Chief Executive, Stephen Penlington from Chorley & District Building Society said: “We are absolutely delighted to support British Cycling and be a part of this prestigious event. As a local Building Society we are committed to playing our part in the community.
“Not only is cycling a great way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors but it is also good for the environment and can be enjoyed by all the family.”
The race, called the Chorley Grand Prix, is being organised by Chorley Council with sponsorship from Chorley Building Society. It will be held on Saturday 4 April and take in a 100-mile route. The start and finish line will be on Park Road in Chorley town centre with the road race taking in Chorley, Rivington, Belmont, Abbey Village, Withnell, Brinscall, Wheelton, Buckshaw Village and back to Chorley.
The riders will complete five laps of the circuit but there will generally be rolling road closures in place, which will mean very minimal disruption to traffic.
For further information on the Chorley Grand Prix, people are encouraged to visit chorley.gov.uk like Chorley Council on Facebook or follow @ChorleyCouncil on Twitter.
ENDS
Pic captions:
Picture 1: The Leader of Chorley Council, Councillor Alistair Bradley (centre), Charles Jackson, Vice Chairman of British Cycling and Lesley Pape, Deputy Chief Executive Secretary & Treasurer of Chorley Building Society launch the Chorley Grand Prix at the proposed start and finish line on Park Road, Chorley.
Picture 2: The route of the Chorley Grand Prix race on Saturday 4 April 2015
For further information, contact Campaigns and Engagement Manager (Events) Louise Finch on 01257 515062