Three-times Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Ed Clancy OBE is getting ready to ride in the Beverley Grand Prix presented by Wren Kitchens on Friday 26 July.
A former winner of the Beverley race, Ed said he has fond memories of the competition and is glad it has returned to the town for 2024.
He is the most successful team pursuit cyclist in history, having won gold with Team GB at three successive Olympics – at Beijing in 2008, London in 2012 and Rio in 2016.
Now retired from professional cycling, Ed said: “What I love about these circuit races in town centres is it brings cycling to the people, rather than expecting people to follow cycling out to a moorside somewhere, it brings cycling right into the heart of some beautiful cities and towns across the UK.
“Beverley was a great example. The fact that it’s back on the calendar this year is great news.
“I’ve got fond memories myself from winning a national championship there, and I’ve also got memories of crashing into barriers and all sorts, it’s always an exciting race.
“There’s a great cobbled finish straight and it’s great to see it back on the calendar.”
On the same day the Paris Olympic Games begin, some of Britain’s best cyclists will be taking part in an evening of thrilling racing around Beverley’s town centre, with action starting at 4pm in Saturday Market and running until around 10pm.
People can watch the event for free and are encouraged to line the race route.
Almost 300 cyclists have entered the prestigious event, which will feature six rides and races including the finale of the British Cycling National Circuit Series.
The event is the climax of a six-week nationwide series of events – round eight of the Open National Circuit Series and the Women’s National Circuit Series – and will see the presentation of series champions.
Beverley Grand Prix presented by Wren Kitchens also includes races for under 12s, under 14s and 16s, and a competition for regional and amateur riders.
Youngsters and keen cyclists from the local area will get a chance to ride the circuit in the Beverley Community Ride, which starts off the event.
Around 125 riders will be taking part in the ride, giving families and people of all ages the chance to experience a national level cycling event at a leisurely pace around a 1.4km circuit of the town.
The Beverley Community Ride is being held in memory of Ian Burnett, former head of asset strategy at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, who was instrumental in bringing many cycling race stages to the area over the past 10 years. Ian passed away in 2022.
The Beverley Grand Prix presented by Wren Kitchens is organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Generation Pro Cycling Events.
Beverley has a long tradition of supporting cycling races, having previously hosted stages of the Tour De Yorkshire and the Tour of Britain. The Beverley Grand Prix was last held in 2017.
Beverley Grand Prix circuit
The 1.4km course for all the rides and races will be:
Starts and finishes in Saturday Market, following Sow Hill, New Walkergate, Railway Street, Lord Roberts Road, Cross Street, and Toll Gavel
Times of the events
4pm – Ceremonial opening followed by Beverley Community Ride in memory of Ian Burnett
5pm – Under 12s racing
5.25pm – Combined under 14s and 16s racing
6pm – Regional/amateurs’ race
7pm – Woman’s National Circuit Series
8pm – Open National Circuit Series
Road closures
Roads around the course will be temporarily closed on Friday 26 July, including:
Sow Hill, Old Walkergate, Railway Street, Lord Roberts Road, and Cross Street.
Pedestrian areas in Butcher Row, Toll Gavel and Wednesday Market will be closed off.
Car park closures
Car parks around the course are to be temporarily closed on Friday 26 July, including:
Saturday Market from 8am-midnight (except for delivery vehicle drivers who will be allowed access until 2pm)
Wednesday Market from 2pm-11pm
School Lane from 2pm -11pm
Spencer Street from 2pm-11pm
Lord Roberts Road from 2pm-11pm
Drivers are asked to use alternative car parks including Grayburn Lane, George Street and Trinity Lane. This will also apply to disabled drivers.
There is no on-street parking on any roads which are closed, including those covered by the controlled parking zone, namely Old Walkergate and Lord Roberts Road.
Residents living on or next to the race route should be aware vehicular access may be restricted between 2pm and 11pm. It is recommended they park their vehicles outside of the affected area.
Bus station
Beverley Bus Station in Sow Hill will be temporarily closed and alternative measures will be in place from 3pm-11pm on Friday 26 July.
Taxis
A temporary taxi rank will be provided on Norwood (next to the Dominos takeaway) and Minster Yard North between 2pm-11pm.
