The one-month countdown started this week to an elite level British Cycling event being held in the borough.

The Dudley Grand Prix circuit race event will be held in the town centre on July 14 to coincide with Black Country Day celebrations taking place in the borough.

The event, which is part of the men’s and women’s national circuit series, is expected to attract famous names from the world of cycling including British Olympic champions.

It comes after people lined the streets in Dudley and Sedgley last year to enjoy time trial events for the Commonwealth Games. Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said:

"After the success of last year’s time trials in Dudley and Sedgley for the Commonwealth Games, we’re delighted to be hosting elite sports again in the borough. Thousands came out to watch last year and we hope for more of the same.

"We will see some of the sport’s best riders racing against each other at top speeds around a short, fast circuit so there should be plenty of thrills and spills, and it’s completely free.

"We have also made all of our car parks free as well on the day for those who wish to visit."

Members of Stourbridge Cycling Club have worked with British Cycling, Dudley Council and Generation Pro Cycle Events to help put the borough on the map and secure its place in the circuit series calendar.

The event will be opened at 4pm with a social community ride running for an hour to allow young families the chance to ride the race course. From 5pm until around 6.30pm there will be under 12s, under 14s and under 16s racing, with the regional/amateur race starting at 6.35pm.

The women’s national circuit series finale is due to get under way at 7.30pm, with the event concluding with the men’s national circuit series finale which starts at 8.30pm. Chris Lawrence, Generation Pro Cycle Events, said:

"The Dudley Grand Prix will continue to build on our ethos to inspire the next generation. It will give racing opportunities and a major platform of a National Circuit Series event for riders from the age of 10, right up to Olympic and World Champions to shine and showcase how exciting the UK racing scene can be.

"Letters will be sent to residents and businesses along the route, as well as businesses in Dudley town centre, with more information about the race including details about temporary road closures."

For further details of the event, you can visit dudleygrandprix.com.