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Blackpool's New Road Circuit Opens

4th July 2011
Images: Andy Whitehouse

Another British Cycling funded facility came on stream at the weekend with the opening of Blackpool's exciting new Road Racing circuit.

The facility made its debut with the Tour of Blackpool 2011 meeting, including rounds of the National Youth Circuit Race Series, the National Series Women's Criterium series and a Men's Regional A Criterium.

An official ceremony took place during the lunch break to mark the opening of the circuit, which is within the grounds of Palatine Sports Centre and Palatine Sports College, meaning users will also benefit from great changing facilities and car parking.

Funded by British Cycling, Cycling England and NHS Blackpool, the circuit will become the home of BYCA (Blackpool Youth Cycling Association) who help young riders train and pursue cycling as a sport.

The club also has a stock of bikes for members who don't have access to a suitable bike of their own. British Cycling's entry level racing programme for young riders, Go-Ride Racing, will also be using the circuit extensively.

The circuit will also be used by Palatine Sports College as part of their sporting offer to students.

Councillor Graham Cain, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, said: "We want to use the track to develop our cycling talent within the town, as well as continuing to encourage the residents of Blackpool to take up cycling. This could be as a competitive sport, a leisure activity or as a more sustainable method of getting around the town."

British Cycling's Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said: "The new circuit in Blackpool looks fantastic. It is another example of the numerous efforts we have made to develop excellent modern cycling facilities across the UK. This excellent community facility will provide people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to enjoy cycling in a safe, controlled and traffic free environment from supporting the growth of our sport at the grassroots and helping us to develop future cycling stars."

London 2012 Paralympic hopeful Tel Byrne added: "It's a privilege to be asked to open the Palatine circuit.

"I'm actually from Blackpool I used to live five miles down the road so it's an honour to be able to open the track and hopefully I should be able to race on it in the future."