Blackburn Town Centre Races
- Story posted July 7, 2009Event Press Release
- Blackburn Town Centre RacesSome of the country’s top professional cyclists will be in Blackburn later this month for the Blackburn Town Centre Criterium. Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy MBE will be joined by former world champion Chris Newton, former national champion Russ Downing, and other renowned cycling professionals Ian Wilkinson, Rob Hayles, and Malcolm Elliott, in a one-hour race round a closed circuit of Blackburn town centre on the evening of Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for culture, leisure and sport for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said “I am delighted to welcome these top professional cyclists to Blackburn to take part in our second town centre Grand Prix. “Cycling is one of the best ways we can take part in physical activity and I am confident this evening will bring people of all ages and all cycling abilities together. An added bonus is, of course, the free prize draw for children’s cycles.”Known in cycling as a Criterium, it is a multi-lap race lasting for about an hour. The racing is always tightly fought with bike handling skills at a premium as the riders jostle for position on a narrow circuit. The event will also feature plenty of other cycle-related activities to keep all the family entertained and involved, including the chance for spectators to win one of 10 child’s bikes. To enter the free prize draw, spectators have simply to complete a form which can be (or pick one up at the event from the smoothie maker stand) and hand it in on the night. Winners must be present at the time of the draw.The whole evening will start at 6pm with local school children taking part in a Go Ride competition. A support race (National Category B) will start at 7pm and the main race (part of British Cycling’s National Elite Series) will start at 8pm. The prize presentations and the draw for competition winners will take place immediately afterwards at approximately 915pm. Those attending the event can also try out various bikes and enjoy a free fun ride round the area.Barnoldswick and Wigan-based Pennine Events Limited, one of the country’s leading organisers of cycling events, is organising the event on behalf Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Mark Sandamas, Director of organisers Pennine Events, said “This line up of cyclists is one of the best we have had in recent times in the North of England. This is really the cream of the cream in professional cycling and will be a real treat for spectators and particularly those spectators new to the thrills and spills of road cycle racing.”For further information about Pennine Events, please visit or ring
- 01695 682 020
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