Dudley prepares to welcome Grand Prix cycling showdown

Following a successful first staging of the event in 2023, the British Cycling National Circuit Series returns to Dudley tomorrow night as part of this year’s Black Country Festival.

The Grand Prix is free to watch and a bumper crowd is expected to come to Dudley to cheer on the racers. The main viewing areas will be on Priory Road, The Broadway and Coronation Gardens, where food, refreshments and live entertainment will be on offer for spectators.

Race day will be formally opened around 4pm by the Mayor of Dudley, before a social community ride around the track. Sponsored by Jewson, this leisurely ride will give participants the rare chance to cycle around an elite-level circuit course.

The competition will get under way at 5pm as the youth races begin. Upcoming cycling stars will take on the circuit in the Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s competitions. The Under 12s race is sponsored by Fieldings Auctioneers.

More fast-paced action will follow at 6pm as amateur cyclists from across our region sprint for victory.

At 7pm, the women’s National Circuit Series race will light up the town centre with riders chasing maximum points to move up the standings. Lucy Glover outpaced the competition last year to become the youngest ever rider to win a round of the series.

The fourth round of the Open National Circuit Series will begin at 8pm. Last year’s race was won by Jim Brown after a dramatic last-lap overtake in the final corners. The event is expected to conclude at 9.30pm following the medal presentations.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

The Grand Prix is a fantastic opportunity to put Dudley back in the national spotlight after our successful hosting of last year’s event and the Commonwealth Games cycling time trials.

We have a variety of exciting races for spectators to enjoy throughout the evening and I hope our residents will continue their much-appreciated support of this event.

Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said:

I’m thrilled to have been asked to lead the ceremonial opening of the Grand Prix and welcome visitors from near and afar to Dudley.

“On behalf of the borough, I’d like to thank Generation Pro Cycling Events and British Cycling West Midlands for bringing this event to Dudley, as well as all of the volunteers whose hard work has made it possible.

Stuart Goodaker, assistant manager of Jewson’s Dudley branch, said:

Jewson is delighted to be involved in the Dudley Grand Prix as sponsors of the community ride.

It’s a great opportunity for families and young riders to cycle around an elite-level racing circuit together and enjoy an experience they will remember.

Dave Brownhill, co-organiser of the Black Country Festival, said:

The Dudley Grand Prix will be a great occasion for the town and we’re proud to have it as part of this year’s biggest-ever Black Country Festival.

We have a fantastic programme of events coming up for all the family to enjoy, including the Grand Prix here in Dudley and the Musicom festival at Himley Park this weekend.

For more information on the Dudley Grand Prix, including race timings and details of road closures on the day of the event, visit the Dudley Council website.

Follow the Dudley Grand Prix and other Black Country Festival events live via Black Country Radio on 92.2 and 102.5 FM and online.

The Dudley Grand Prix is funded by the UK Government, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.