Warwickshire News Mine

Visitors to Warwick town centre will be able to enjoy a free day of cycle racing at its best as Olympians take on other elite cyclists on the closed road circuit.

Last week saw two of Britain’s top cyclists, Russell Downing and Malcolm Elliot, confirm their entry into Warwick Cycle Races on Sunday 6th September.

Russell Downing is on top form this year having just beaten both Mark Cavendish and Lance Armstrong in the Tour of Ireland so he’s looking a favourite in Warwick. Candi TV team mate Malcolm Elliot will also be racing and as the Tour of Spain points winner he’ll also be tough competition to beat.

And they join Olympic medallists Ed Clancy and Rob Hayles, who will be among 70 elite cyclists.

Clancy was a gold medallist in the 2008 Beijing team pursuit, while Hayles won silver and bronze medals at Athens 2004 in the team pursuit and Madison events.

The Elite race on Sunday will be the climax of a day’s worth of events, including round five of British Cycling’s inaugural National Disability Circuit Race series and amateur races for local adult and junior cyclists.

Laura Vesty of Warwickshire County Council’s Sustainable Travel Team said “It’s fantastic that we’ll have some of the world’s best cyclists flying around the centre of Warwick. It’s a great opportunity for everyone in Warwickshire to see cycling at its very best.”

However, Laura added that there have been a surprisingly low number of women entering the races this year. She said: “Women’s cycling is increasing in popularity all the time, and it’s a real surprise to only have four women signed up so far in the competition. Come on ladies, get on your bikes and get your entries in.”

There’s also a whole host of stalls and family activities at the event including unicycling, juggling, children’s rides, facepainting and balloon making.

The event starts at 11am with the Elite Race being the finale from 5pm to 6pm. Visitors can attend any time of day and the event is totally free.

This year’s race wouldn’t have been able to go ahead if it wasn’t for all of the sponsors. Carillion are also providing a response team on site to repair any emergency pot holes or loose slabs on the circuit and this is an excellent level of commitment, rarely seen at British cycle racing events.

The races are organised by British Cycling and Warwickshire County Council with sponsorship and support from TravelWise, Carillion, Warwickshire Direct, Hinckley and South Wigston Cycle Centre, Mercia Securities, Nationwide Drives, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire Police, Warwick District Council and Action 21.

To find out more information about the cycle races visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycleraces.

Link to WCC