Barnsley to host 2015 British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships

Barnsley has been announced as the host of this year’s British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships, which will take place on Wednesday 29 July.

Racing starts at 5pm on a circuit starting and finishing outside the Town Hall and taking in Church Street, Eastgate, Regent Street, Eldon Street and Market Hill.

James Field of Team Cystic Fibrosis, which is organising the event, said: “We are delighted that British Cycling has awarded us the championship, Barnsley will be a fantastic venue for these championships and the people of Barnsley will be treated to a great evening of entertainment and the chance to see some of the UK’s best professional riders in action.”

Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s director of cycle sport and membership, commented: “The people of Yorkshire have always demonstrated a real passion for cycling, in particular over the last 12 months.

“The 2015 British Cycling National Circuit Race Championships in Barnsley will provide another great opportunity to see some of the best cyclists in the world in action.”

Last year’s event was held in Hull, with the women’s title going to Eileen Roe of Starley Primal, while the men’s race was won by Adam Blythe, then with NFTO and now back in the UCI WorldTour with Orica-GreenEdge.

Past winners also include Olympic gold medallists Ed Clancy – who was born in Barnsley – and Laura Trott, as well as former world champion Mark Cavendish.

In May last year, closed circuit racing returned to the South Yorkshire town after a decade’s absence with the 65 Roses Barnsley Criteriums, also organised by Team Cystic Fibrosis.

Barnsley Council’s service director for culture, housing & regulation, Phillip Spurr, said: “Barnsley is proud to once again be part of such a prestigious sporting event as the National Circuit Race Championships.

“Last year’s Criterium was an extraordinary success and gave a tremendous boost to the town centre economy. The borough is a fantastic place for cycling and I am sure there are many people who are delighted that the race will be returning again with such a high profile.”