The annual East Yorkshire Classic Cycling Weekend, from Friday, 20 to Saturday, 21 July, is proving to be as popular as ever.
Friday evening’s Elite Circuit Race, in the medieval town centre of Beverley, has 80 entries, with many of the country’s top racing teams sending cyclists to this annual event.
Local amateur riders are also expected to boost the interest of the thousands of spectators who enjoy the free sporting spectacle, which comes only one week before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Seven hundred leisure riders have entered Saturday’s ‘Big G Sportive’ rides around the Yorkshire Wolds.
The East Yorkshire Classic road race, which normally takes place on the Sunday, has been cancelled this year due to the close proximity of the Olympic Games.
Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and rural issues at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:
“We are extremely pleased that Beverley will again host this event, which is part of the national series and also brings an estimated £ 250,000 into the local economy.
“This is a fantastic reward for all the hard work that goes into the weekend and obviously shows our commitment to hosting top-class, national events within East Yorkshire.”
Andy Cawley, race organiser, said: “We are very pleased once again with the terrific support we have received from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, EY Events team, Beverley Town Council, the police and Hull Thursday Road Club, as well as numerous local sponsors, in working together to deliver this free sporting spectacular.”
Friday evening’s Elite Circuit Race, in the town centre, has 80 entries, with many of the country’s top racing teams sending cyclists to the event.
Much of Beverley town centre will be closed to motorists from as early as 6am on the Friday.
Part of Saturday Market, between The Grapes and Sow Hill, will be closed to all traffic from 6am-12midnight.
The remainder of Saturday Market, including the area between Burtons and The Grapes, will be closed to all traffic from 4pm-12midnight with the exception of taxi, disabled and delivery vehicle drivers who will be allowed access until 5pm.
Motorists are asked to use alternative car parks such as George Street, Grayburn Lane, School Lane and Trinity Lane. This will also apply to disabled drivers who would otherwise park in Cross Street, Saturday Market and Sow Hill.
Wednesday Market will be closed from 4pm-11pm and Sow Hill Road will be closed from 5pm-12midnight.
Butcher Row, Cross Street, Lord Roberts Road, Old Waste, Railway Street, between New Walkergate and Lord Roberts Road, Toll Gavel and Walkergate (Old) will all be closed from 6pm-11pm.
Signed diversions, taking traffic around the town centre, will be in place from 6pm-11pm and car parks in Lord Roberts Road and Spencer Street will be closed from 5pm-11pm.
A temporary taxi rank will be provided in the bus station in Sow Hill Road, from 5pm-12midnight, but the bus station will be closed to buses between those times.
There will also be no on-street parking on any roads, which are closed.
Seven hundred leisure riders have entered Saturday’s ‘Big G Sportive’ rides around the Yorkshire Wolds.
The East Yorkshire Classic road race, which normally takes place on the Sunday, has been cancelled this year due to the close proximity of the Olympic Games.
