Get set for the Chorley Grand Prix

FAMILIES and cycle fans are in for a real treat on Easter weekend as the first ever Chorley Grand Prix takes over the Chorley borough.

Local people are being urged to show their support and get involved in the spectacular event from 11am on Saturday 4 April by lining the route and taking part in a whole host of family activities in Chorley Council’s cycle village on Park Road in Chorley town centre.

The prestigious race, which has been organised by Chorley Council and British Cycling with support from Chorley Building Society, will start and finish on Park Road in Chorley town centre before the cyclists take on a five lap 116 mile route through Chorley, Limbrick, Rivington, Belmont, Abbey Village, Withnell, Brinscall, Wheelton, Buckshaw Village and back to Chorley.
 
140 of the country’s top cyclists will race around the challenging course in the hope of taking the first round of the 2015 British Elite Road Race Series and being crowned the first ever winner of the Chorley Grand Prix.

The field includes last year’s overall Elite Road Race Series champion, Yanto Barker who rides for the One Pro Cycling Team and multi-Olympic gold medal winner, Ed Clancy MBE.  There are also five cyclists from Team Wiggins, which will be making its British team debut at the race.

Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Chorley Council, said: “The Chorley Grand Prix is going to be a fantastic occasion for the whole family.  The race starts at 11am on Park Road in Chorley town centre and we’ve put together a whole host of cycling fun and activities to keep everyone entertained while the cyclists are out on the course. 

“We’re encouraging people to bring flags and banners and line the pavements anywhere along the route to see a brilliant sporting spectacle.  We’ve already started the ball rolling by creating large bicycle displays using bales of straw and fixing decorated bicycles to structures along the route.

“Cycling fans might choose to go up to Rivington to see the Chorley Group King of the Mountains challenge or line the pavements of Buckshaw Village but if you’ve got children and want to keep them entertained, bring them along to the Chorley Council cycle village where they will be able to watch the cyclists start the race then take part in cycling games, arts, crafts, challenges and much more. 

“Rock FM will also be there plus people can bring their own bikes to get them checked out by our bike doctors before watching the spectacular finish to the race and the trophy presentations at around 4pm.

“We’re really excited and proud that Chorley has been chosen to host the first round of the 2015 British Elite Road Race Series.  We know Chorley is a fantastic place to cycle and it will be brilliant to see the country’s top cyclists racing around the borough.”

Andrew Horsley, Vice Chair of Chorley & District Building Society added: “As a community Building Society Chorley and District is delighted to be sponsoring this prestigious event. On a personal note I feel the Chorley Grand Prix is a great opportunity to encourage people of all ages to get involved and support these elite athletes, whilst putting Chorley firmly on the map.”   

British Cycling’s major domestic events manager, Phil West, said:  “After all the planning and the preparation, it is very exciting to be opening the 2015 British Cycling Elite Road season with a brand new event in the series.

“It is clear from the confirmed list of riders that anticipation is high and I expect the Chorley Grand Prix to provide a very competitive and entertaining opening to the season.”

On the day of the Chorley Grand Prix, there is also the opportunity for people to take part in cycle rides but they will need to register beforehand.  To take part in the three mile Astley Park loop, visit goskyride.com/chorley and for women only, there are two eight mile Breeze Rides taking place at 11.15am and 2.30pm, which start in Astley Park.  Ladies can either pre-register at goskyride.com/chorley or turn up on the day.

Anyone attending the event or travelling in the area on Saturday 4 April is being reminded that there will be rolling road closures in place as the cyclists go past.  However, Park Road and the west-bound side of Sheep House Lane and Rivington Road will be permanently closed for the day, meaning there will be parking and traffic restrictions in place in these areas.

Apart from Queens Road car park, Chorley town centre car parks will be open as normal with free parking after 1pm on Saturday 4 April.  There will also be additional parking available at Woodlands College on Southport Road on the day of the event.

For more information on the Chorley Grand Prix, including the full list of cyclists and a breakdown of the route, visit chorley.gov.uk

ENDS
Pic captions:
 
The bicycle display created close to the route in Abbey Village, Chorley.
 

For further information, contact Campaigns and Engagement Manager (Events) Louise Finch on 01257 515062