Countdown to Pontefract cycling Grand Prix

Some of the country’s top cyclists will be racing around the town centre between 11am until 4pm on Sunday, August 10.

Wakefield Council is currently in talks to attract Olympic champions Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee and James Sampson and Jake Scott, both from the Haribo Beacon cycling team, to take part in the men’s elite race.

A number of roads around the town centre will be closed for the event and diversions will be in place.

Coun Les Shaw, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport said: “This exciting race will bring all sorts of nail-biting cycling drama to Pontefract town centre, but we want to make sure residents and businesses know that certain roads will be closed for most of the day.

“We are advising everyone to follow diversion routes signposted on the day as well as setting off in plenty of time to reach their desired destinations as delays will be inevitable.”

Beastfair, Cornmarket, Shoe Market, Salter Row, Church Lane, Bridge Street, Wool Market, Gillygate, Market Place, Ropergate and Valley Road, Southgate and Jublilee Way will be partially open with the turn from Wakefield Road to Southgate closed. The closures will start from 6am while the course is being set up. Diversions will be in place.

The event has been organised by the council in partnership with British Cycling, Yorkshire Pro-Cycling and the Haribo Beacon Cycling Team. It is sponsored by public services provider Amey.

There will also be youth races, a women’s race, a men’s race. There will be an opportunity for people to cycle the course during the lunch break in a safe and traffic free environment.

Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk for more information on the road closures and timings.