Norfolk to host next year's National Road Championships (+ video)

Norfolk has been announced today as the host of the 2019 HSBC UK | National Road Championships, organised in partnership with events company Golazo and forming the centrepiece of a new, week-long cycling festival.

Besides the elite road events – the individual time trials taking place on Thursday 27 June and the road races on Sunday 30 June – The Great Britain Cycling Festival will include a 100-mile sportive ride and mountain biking in the shape of a round of the HSBC UK | National Cross-country Series inb Norwich.

British Cycling commercial director, Jonathan Rigby, commented: “We’re thrilled to confirm the award of the 2019 HSBC UK | National Road Championships to Norfolk.

“The championships are the flagship event of our road racing calendar, and the list of previous winners – which includes Sir Bradley Wiggins, Laura Kenny, Geraint Thomas, Lizzie Deignan and Mark Cavendish – gives some indication of the prestige of the event.

“While these championships represent the pinnacle of domestic road racing, they are also a celebration of cycling as a whole.

“We’re delighted to be staging a mass participation ride alongside the elite races, and are pleased to have linked up with Golazo, Active Norfolk, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council, all of whom share our ambition to make our communities fitter, greener and healthier through increased levels of cycling.”

Councillor Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “Since our Pushing Ahead cycling and walking initiative launched in 2016 we’ve encouraged more people to get on their bikes and engage in active travel across the county, and hosting a prestigious cycling event such as this will only help inspire more people to consider cycling as an alternative way to get about.

“Whether it’s watching the championships, taking part in the Great British Cycling Festival sportive, or participating in the community and family events that will be held, Norfolk residents will have a great time.

“We anticipate the event will attract a huge number of visitors to the county which will not only bring in additional revenue for local businesses county-wide but will introduce many new visitors to Norfolk.”

Pre-registration for the sportive will open to the general public in less than a fortnight on Saturday 24 November, although British Cycling members can pre-register from tomorrow and can also benefit from a discount code to secure a £10 reduction.