cycling thrills and spills are coming to Huddersfield town centre in what promises to be an unmissable prelude to the Tour de France.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Martyn Bolt has organised, with a little help, the inaugural Huddersfield Criterium cycle race, which will see professional and top amateur cyclists haring round the streets of the town centre at breakneck speeds.

And details of the route - which will hopefully be tackled by the likes of Olympic champion Ed Clancy - have been revealed.

The event will be held on the evening of Friday, July 4, two days before Le Grand Depart hits town and shops and businesses will stay open for an extra three hours hoping to attract custom from the anticipated huge crowds.

A normal Criterium attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators and Martyn is hoping that even more will turn out in Huddersfield, given its proximity to the start of Le Tour and the fact that top UK professionals will be taking part.

The route is a tight one-kilometre circuit which starts at Cafe Nero in New Street and takes in Cloth Hall Street, Market Street, High Street, Ramsden Street, around the top side and back of the Town Hall, along Peel Street then along Victoria Lane and back up King Street.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     KinStreet.

There will be 60 competitors in the 30-minute youth race, 80 top amateurs in a 45-minute race, followed by the hour-long elite race for 80 professionals. The event is being held in aid of the Mayor’s chosen charity, One Community.

Click below to see an animated map of the race route

Back-up teams will be stationed in New Street and the public will have a chance to see the teams up close.

Clr Bolt, a keen cyclist, viewed the circuit with local professional riders Tom Murray, Ben Kellet and Jake and Rebecca Womersley.

Cyclists Tom Murray, Ben Kelly and Jake Womersley test the route of the planned Huddersfield town centre race
Cyclists Tom Murray, Ben Kelly and Jake Womersley test the route of the planned Huddersfield town centre race

He said: “They thought the race was very exciting and technically challenging, there are some tight turns.

“They were very enthusiastic and are looking forward to the opportunity to race on home soil and showcase their talents in front of family and friends.

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“There are some very talented athletes in our area and fans will be able to talk to the cyclists. There are very few sports where you can get as close to the athletes as in cycling. It promises to be a fantastic event.”

Any businesses interested in sponsorship should contact Martyn directly by email on martyn.bolt@kirklees.gov.uk

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