Huddersfield gets extended town centre criterium to make one year of Tour legacy

Huddersfield is to build on the Tour de Yorkshire’s legacy and hold its town centre criterium race once again this summer, with organisers saying it will be even “bigger and better” than last year.

To be held on Wednesday, June 10th, the circuit will be extended this year taking in swathes of the town centre including Market Place, John William Street and Railway Street - a route that’s about a mile in length.

Organisers are now searching for sponsors for the race, which will have some television coverage as part of a series of cycle racing.

“The cyclists who took part last year said they wanted more opportunities to overtake”, Clr Martyn Bolt told the Huddersfield Daily Examiner.

“This extended course gives them more turns, more straights and another climb which should add to the excitement.

“We have secured the circuit for the evening and expanded the number of races to include a women’s race and to reflect the growth and interest in cycling.

“Last year we had the Tour de France to follow the Criterium; this year, our race comes after the Tour de Yorkshire and there is an awful lot of interest being generated.

“But we also believe it offers an opportunity to businesses in Huddersfield to take advantage. The racing starts at 6pm and we hope it draws large crowds. I would hope that businesses that may have closed normally by then will stay open to reach new customers”.

Last year we covered the inaugural Huddersfield Criterium, which was held on the eve of the Tour de Yorkshire, with riders taking part including Yorkshire lad – and double Olympic champion – Ed Clancy.

The event was the brainchild of local bike shop owner Dave Sowerby, and Councillor Martyn Bolt, former Mayor of Kirklees and a keen cyclist who organises the Brian Robinson challenge.

Here’s a video taking in the route from last year: