Olympian goes for gold in Grand Prix

Olympic gold medallist Steven Burke has signed up for the first Pontefract Grand Prix on Sunday.
Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Burke tries out the new cycle track which is named after him.Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Burke tries out the new cycle track which is named after him.
Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Burke tries out the new cycle track which is named after him.

Burke – who rode to victory in the team pursuit in London 2012 and picked up silver in the recent Commonwealth Games – will take part in the men’s elite race at 2.45pm.

He will be joined on the start line by team mate Pete Williams while another team mate, Ashley Brown, will be watching from the sidelines as event organiser. The three men won the National Team Time Trial Championship in May.

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Burke, who rides for the Haribo Beacon Cycling Team, said: “I am excited to be racing in the first Pontefract Grand Prix, the team has been involved in planning the circuit and I walked the course a few months ago. It has a little bit of everything and should be a real crowd-pleaser. My form is good after the Commonwealth Games, but we have some really strong, young lads in the team too so we have a few cards to play on the day.”

The event starts with a family ride at 10.45am, followed by youth, women’s and men’s races. There will also be food and stalls and an opportunity for people to cycle the course during the lunch break in a safe and traffic free environment.

The event has been organised by Wakefield Council in partnership with British Cycling, Yorkshire Pro-Cycling and the Haribo Beacon Cycling Team. It is sponsored by public services provider Amey.

There will be a number of roads closed from 6am until 4pm. Diversions will be in place.

Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk for more information on the road closures and timings or go to www.pontefractgrandprix.co.uk for more information on the event.

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