Top cyclists ready for town’s first elite race

Cycol Rendezvous Tour guest riders on Buttertubs Pass during a preview of the first stage of the 2014 Tour de France from Skipton, which took in Kidstones and Buttertubs Passes.

The Pontefract Grand Prix will bring together professional road racers and leading cycling and triathlon clubs as it wheels its way through the town centre streets on Sunday, August 10.

Local families will also be able to take part in a safe and traffic-free environment.

The race has been backed by Wakefield Council in partnership with British Cycling and the Haribo Beacon Cycling Team. It will include two youth races, a men’s race and a women’s race. The cycling will end with an elite men’s race, with up to 100 professional cyclists competing for the top spot. The day will finish with a prize presentation ceremony. There will also be stalls, entertainment, catering and a hospitality zone.

27th January 2010.
Labour candidate Les Shaw has become the new councillor for Airedale and Ferry Fryston after last week's by-election. — 27th January 2010. Labour candidate Les Shaw has become the new councillor for Airedale and Ferry Fryston after last week's by-election.

Pete Williams, a former winner of the sprint jersey at the Tour of Britain, will be competing.

He said: “I’m looking forward to racing at Pontefract Grand Prix, it has all the ingredients for some dramatic racing. I think we’ll see some of the UK’s best riders putting on great show for the spectators in the first year of the event.

“It’s great to see Wakefield Council supporting the sport in the year that the Tour de France starts in Leeds, hopefully it will help inspire the next generation of racers.”

The tour – similar to the famous Otley and Sheffield circuit races – will depart at 10.30am and finish around 3.30pm. Coun Les Shaw, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “This promises to be a wonderful day for the district. There is obviously a great enthusiasm for cycling and the Pontefract Grand Prix is sure to be well received.”

Visit www.pontefractgrandprix.co.uk or www.wakefield.gov.uk for more details.