Olympic medallists and World Champions to star at Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix

Colne is preparing to welcome an extraordinary line-up of world-class cycling talent this month as the Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix returns next week.

Taking place on Tuesday 16th June, the prestigious race will once again see some of the UK’s finest cyclists battle it out on Colne’s fast-paced 830-metre closed-road circuit around the town’s one-way system.

Widely regarded as one of the highlights of the British cycling calendar, this year’s event carries even greater significance as it hosts the opening round of British Cycling’s Lloyds National Circuit Series.

The national circuit races will feature many of the sport’s leading elite teams, including Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli, DAS Hutchinson, Handsling Alba Development, Brother UK – On Form, Rapha Cycling Club and Cycling Sheffield. Adding a strong local presence to the field will be Barnoldswick-based Hope Factory Racing, while the exciting young riders from Bury’s 360 Cycling are expected to bring plenty of attacking racing and energy to the evening.

The women’s race boasts an exceptional line-up of riders, headlined by Olympic silver and bronze medallist and former World Champion Josie Knight of DAS Hutchinson. Renowned for her world-class track pedigree, Knight will be among the favourites on Colne’s demanding circuit.

She will face strong competition from former British National Circuit Race Champion Kate Richardson of Handsling Alba, one of the country’s most accomplished criterium racers, while Rapha Cycling Club’s Megan Barker arrives with an impressive pedigree that includes a Team Pursuit World Championship title and European Games gold medal. Barker is also the younger sister of Olympic legend, Elinor Barker.

The men’s race promises equally thrilling competition, with Olympic medallist Oliver Wood leading Rapha Cycling Club’s challenge alongside former National Champion and criterium specialist Matthew Bostock, a former winner in Colne.

Fans can also look forward to seeing some of cycling’s most versatile athletes in action, including Cyclocross Reds rider Cameron Mason and Hope Factory Racing’s Thomas Mein, whose success across multiple disciplines makes them serious contenders for victory on Colne’s technical town-centre circuit.

Event organiser Len Woffindin said: “We’re thrilled to welcome so many big names to Colne for the opening round of the Lloyds National Circuit Series.

‘’The quality of riders coming to compete this year is outstanding and we’re looking forward to another fantastic evening of racing.”

The evening’s action begins with the Bradson Construction Youth Race at 5:45pm, followed by the Fort Vale Nuclear Support Race at 6:25pm. The Fort Vale National Women’s Race gets underway at 7:20pm before the Fort Vale National Open Race brings the curtain down on a spectacular evening of elite racing at 8:20pm.

As well as providing a thrilling sporting spectacle, the event is expected to generate a fantastic atmosphere across the town centre, with businesses staying open later to welcome visitors and spectators throughout the evening. The newly opened Colne Market Hall will be among the venues open during the event, offering a range of food and drink options for racegoers.

Nathan Cutler, Events and Facilities Officer at Colne Town Council, said: “The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix is a brilliant event for the town, bringing people together and supporting our local businesses.

‘’It creates a fantastic atmosphere in the town centre and showcases Colne to visitors from across the country.”

Spectators can attend free of charge and are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy an evening of elite cycling, community spirit and entertainment in the heart of Colne.

The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix is organised by Colne Town Council and CDPP (Cycling Development Pendle Partnership).