UK final is in Colne! Gearing up for world class cycling

UK and world class riders will be powering through Colne in a blur of team colours on Tuesday 26th July for the Colne Grand Prix.

“Colne is proud to have been chosen to host the grand final of the Men’s UK Elite Series for the first time ever,” said Cllr. Sarah Cockburn-Price, chairman of Colne Town Council.

Thousands of spectators are expected at the final as cyclists battle it out to win the Colne Grand Prix and be overall winner of British Cycling’s prestigious 2016 Circuit Series.

Eight races in the Elite series are taking place from Staffordshire to Beverley, Wales to Sheffield, with many of the top cycling teams in the world competing.

The dramatic finish in Colne is being sponsored by Pendle’s own leading tourism company cottages.com

“Make sure you’re in Colne on the 26th July for a fantastic free evening of racing,” said Sarah.
Former Olympic cyclist John Herety, manager of JLT Condor, is bringing a leading team, known as The Men in Black,  on 26th July.

His team should include sprinter Graham Briggs who won the Colne Grand Prix in 2014, the same year he was a Tour de France stage winner.

“We love Colne! You won’t see faster racing as it’s the fastest circuit in the series, with great crowds”, said John.

“It’s fitting that a town which has supported cycling for so many years has been picked by British Cycling to host the final,” he added.

Colne Town Council, Cycling Development North West and Pendle Council have teamed up to ensure an exciting action-packed free evening of high speed racing:

6.15pm            Parade lap with Cycle Sport Pendle young riders
                        Youth race sponsored by Colne Town Council
7pm                 Fort Vale’s Sprint for Success Race for talented up-and-coming riders
8pm                 Colne Grand Prix sponsored by cottages.com
9pm                 Prize presentations on the podium including overall winner of the Elite Series.

Colne Town Council’s Head of Events Ashley Sutcliffe is urging people to come and visit for the day or for a long weekend.

Advice on where to stay is available on www.visitpendle.com  along with downloadable cycling routes and information on events.

Ashley said: “Cycling is putting Colne and the whole of Pendle on the map.

“We’re proud to be part of the UK’s capital for cycling!

“By working as a team with a range of organisations and cycling clubs we’re keeping up the momentum of the Tour of Britain Stage 2 race which Pendle hosted last September.

“I urge people to come and visit to enjoy the thrill of street racing,” he said.

On Grand Prix night there’ll be a mini cycling village in the town near Colne Library with marquees and stalls showing how you can make the most of cycling in Pendle.

“Lots of Colne businesses will be staying open late for the evening, to make a fantastic night of it,” added Cllr. Sarah Cockburn-Price.