Cheers for the Chorley Grand Prix
Thousands of families and cycle fans packed the streets of Chorley on Saturday 15 April 2017 to cheer on the teams of elite cyclists who were taking part in the third Chorley Grand Prix.
Park Road in the town centre was packed with people of all ages, with thousands more lining the 116mile route which took the professional cyclists on a challenging tour of some of Chorley’s most spectacular countryside including Limbrick, Rivington, Belmont, Abbey Village, Withnell, Brinscall, Wheelton and Buckshaw Village.
The prestigious race, organised by Chorley Council and British Cycling with support from Active Nation, was the third race in the HSBC UK British Elite Spring Cup Series and was won by Ian Bibby from JLT Condor who also won the first ever Chorley Grand Prix in 2015. Second place went to Kamil Gradek from One Pro Cycling and Ed Laverack from JLT Condor took third place.
It’s a great opportunity to see all of the top teams and cyclists with the likes of Steven Burke MBE and gold medallist, Ed Clancy OBE competing in the race since it began.
Whether you’re into cycling or not, the Chorley Grand Prix is another fantastic event and another reason to check out Chorley. The atmosphere in the town centre and around the course is fantastic with many people visiting different parts of the course throughout the afternoon before heading back into the town centre for the fifth and final lap to see who has the stamina to cross the finish line and make it onto the podium.
As this is a five lap circuit, the cycle village in Chorley town centre has plenty going on to keep everyone entertained while the cyclists are out on the course. From games to arts and crafts, a children’s cycling fun zone to bike maintenance to challenges and advice from cycling businesses and experts, there is something for everyone at the Chorley Grand Prix.
The Chorley Grand Prix is a fantastic showcase for Chorley as a great cycling destination. The borough’s roads and villages, especially Rivington and Belmont, are perfect for any level of cyclist and the spectacular countryside scenery only adds to the appeal. Whether you’d like to try the challenge of the Chorley Grand Prix course or would simply like to explore and create your own route, Chorley offers some of the best cycling terrain in the country.
There are also plenty of guided rides, including women’s only rides and you can find out more at https://www.letsride.co.uk/ If you do fancy trying the Chorley Grand Prix route, you can view the detailed route here.
