Rochdale Grand Prix Cycle Race

The third Rochdale Grand Prix cycle race is being held on the 2nd July. The national profile of cycle racing is higher than ever this year, following British successes at the World Track Cycling Championships. The Rochdale Grand Prix course was very popular with last year’s competitors – it was generally judged to be very hard and very fast – and a similar high quality field of elite racing cyclists is expected for the 2008 event. Over 2,000 spectators again lined the town centre course, and the organisers would like to see even more spectators this year. The 2008 race is the second to be sponsored by Kingsway Business Park, who are the lead sponsor for the event and who will be providing a range of cycle routes on Kingsway as part of their Sustainable Travel Plan. With an hour more daylight than at last year’s event, racing can start around 7pm, giving the opportunity for community based events from 6pm, which are expected to include school teams of young cyclists competing for skills prizes on South Parade, with support from British Cycling. There will also be stalls, information and displays on The Butts, and possibly local dance teams as last year. The event is a collaborative effort between Rochdale Council, sponsors such as Kingsway Business Park, Impact Partnership, Rochdale Town Centre Management, Link 4 Life, West Pennine Road Club, Trans Pennine Cycling Club and Greater Manchester Police. Events on the 2nd July start on the Butts from 4pm, with a skills competition from 6pm on South Parade, and the high speed racing starts from 7pm – don’t miss a spectacular event in Rochdale Town Centre. You don’t have to be a cycle racing fan to appreciate the speed and power of the athletes, and it should be a great family evening out!