Elite cyclists gear-up for Sheffield grand prix race

The fifth Sheffield Hallam University Grand Prix, part of the British Cycling Elite Circuit Race Series, is returning to Sheffield on Wednesday evening.

With thrills and spills guaranteed, the race caps a superb month for cycling in the city and promises a great night’s entertainment.

The event follows this month’s Sheffield Sky Ride and Cote du Wincobank events, two years on from Le Grand Depart which put Sheffield into the global sporting spotlight.

Event director Marc Etches said: “The Grand Prix is sure to be an exciting and fitting end to a tremendous month of cycling in Sheffield.

“Around 7,500 cyclists of all ages and abilities took to the streets for Sky Ride, while elite riders and amateurs alike also faced the challenge of the Cote de Wincobank hill climb.”

Coun Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said: “I’m thrilled to be welcoming back the Sheffield Grand Prix which has so quickly established itself as an essential part of the cycling calendar, cobbles and all. When we talk about Sheffield as the Outdoor City, we mean it. We’ve already hosted Cliffhanger and Cote du Wincobank this month, with Tramlines to follow next week, and our Move More campaign to get people active is attracting national attention too.”

Live commentary starts at 6.30pm and the first event is the Varsity three-lap student sprint race at 6.45pm.

The classic support race will start at 7pm, whilst the Men’s Sheffield Hallam University Grand Prix race starts at 8.15pm. The national team from Rwanda will also compete for the Doug Bond Challenge Trophy.

Riders will start outside the Town Hall, down Pinstone Street, on to Furnival Gate, down to the roundabout, sweep left on Arundel Gate past Sheffield Hallam University’s Owen Building. Riders will turn left at the Crucible Theatre and make their way up Norfolk Street. From here riders will ride on the Cocker & Carr cobbled section turning right onto Surrey Street before completing one full lap which is 1.4kms. The finish area will be on Pinstone Street.

For more information, visit www.sheffieldgrandprix.co.uk