Olympic champion races in Stafford

Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy will be among the cyclists taking part in the Stafford Grand Prix tonight (Thursday 8 July).

The Beiijng Team pursuit gold medallist will be one of around 50 cyclists to compete on a 900-metre city centre circuit from 7pm, with practice runs starting at around 6.15pm.

The Stafford Grand Prix is the third round of this year’s National Elite Circuit Series. Thousands of spectators are expected to turn out for the event, which starts and finishes in Market Square.

The event was organised by Leadout, a communications company run by Stafford-born cyclist Paul Rowlands, in partnership with Stafford Borough Council.

Paul told the Staffordshire Newsletter, “I’m a Stafford-born lad and cycling has always been my passion. It’s given me the chance to work on events like the Tour de France and Tour of Britain.

“Cycling is increasing in popularity all the time in the UK. We’ve got riders competing amongst the very best in the world and this is a chance to see some of them battling it out on the streets of Stafford.”