Barnsley has today been confirmed as the host venue for the 2015 British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships on Wednesday 29 July.
The event, which is being staged by British Cycling and Barnsley-based Team Cystic Fibrosis, is a highlight in Britain’s elite road racing calendar.
The championships are fiercely contested by the country’s top professional riders, who will be battling it out for the honour of wearing the red, white and blue striped jersey of British national champion for the next 12 months. Past winners include Barnsley-born Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy, Olympic silver medallist Lizzie Armitstead, gold medallists Joanna Rowsell and Dani King as well as former road world champion Mark Cavendish.
The evening, which will begin at 5.00pm, will see both the men's and women's titles decided after a night of exciting racing through the town.
British Cycling director of cycle sport and membership Jonny Clay said: “The people of Yorkshire have always demonstrated a real passion for cycling, in particular over the last 12 months. The 2015 British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships in Barnsley will provide another great opportunity to see some of the best cyclists in the world in action.”
Event organiser James Field of Team Cystic Fibrosis said: “We are delighted that British Cycling has awarded us the championship, Barnsley will be a fantastic venue for these championships and the people of Barnsley will be treated to a great evening of entertainment and the chance to see some of the UK’s best professional riders in action.”
The race will weave itself around Barnsley town centre, starting and ending outside the iconic Town Hall building. The route will take in Church Street, Eastgate, Regent Street, Eldon Street and Market Hill.
Phillip Spurr Service Director Culture, Housing & Regulation at Barnsley Council said “Barnsley is proud to once again be part of such a prestigious sporting event as the National Circuit Race Championships.
Last year’s Criterium was an extraordinary success and gave a tremendous boost to the town centre economy. The borough is a fantastic place for cycling and I am sure there are many people who are delighted that the race will be returning again with such a high profile.”
