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Elite Circuit Series Rolls into Stafford

Stafford GP | Elite Circuit Race Series - Round Two
Event: 29th July 2011
Event Details

Last year's event and the top riders line up for the elite race

An evening of top class cycling comes to Stafford on Wednesday 29 June, as round two of British Cycling's Elite Circuit Race Series takes place in the North Midlands town. The event, now in its second year, will see many of Britain's best Road riders go head-to-head with strong local competition.

But it's not just about the elite competition -  a full evening of entertainment kicks off in the town's Market Square at 5pm with a variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family. The racing starts at 6pm with a chance to spot tomorrow's stars in a British Cycling Go-Ride Racing event featuring young riders from a selection of local schools testing their skills and speed in a team challenge. The winners will be crowned as the town's best cycling school.

More young talent will be in action at 7pm in a youth (under-16), before the riders for the main event take to the course at 8.20pm.

More than 60 competitors will sprint around the 1km town centre circuit for an hour. Star riders will include former world champion Rob Hayles of Endura and the on-form Ian Bibby of Motorpoint. Last year's winner and Olympic Champion Ed Clancy also returns to the race.

The race circuit is as follows: Market Square, Gaolgate St, Crabbery St, Chapel St, Broad St, Earl St, Mill St, Greengate St, left in to South Walls, Tipping St Service Rd, left into Tipping St, right into Greengate St back to Market Square.

The Stafford Grand Prix is the second round of British Cycling's prestigious Elite Circuit Race Series which this year comprises five races. Many of the UK's leading teams will be doing battle for individual race victories and the overall series title, which last year went to Endura's Ian Wilkinson.

Race organiser Paul Rowlands says: "The Stafford Grand Prix is a fantastic opportunity for people from across Staffordshire to see some of the stars of the sport in action ahead of London 2012, as well as cheering on local talent. Last year was the first time Stafford hosted the event and it proved to be extremely popular, and it is shaping up to be a great night again this year."

British Cycling's cycle sport and membership director, Jonny Clay, says: "Cycling is growing in popularity in the UK and the Elite Circuit Race Series aims to raise the standard of competition amongst top level British cyclists. We have put together a calendar of closed road circuit races in towns across the country and hope these will act as a showcase for cycling, introducing the sport to new audiences."