The final countdown to the Dudley Grand Prix has begun as the borough prepares to welcome the high-profile national cycling event next week.

Some of the UK’s best road cyclists will be sprinting through the streets of Dudley town centre on Friday 14 July with thousands of spectators expected to attend the free British Cycling event.

The town centre will be transformed into a secure and fully barriered racing track for six thrilling races, including the men’s and women’s National Circuit Series competitions in the evening. The main viewing area of the course will be on Priory Road, The Broadway and Coronation Gardens roundabout, which will have a variety of food stalls, music and commentary as the competitors battle for the top spot on the podium.

Each rider will take on a fast and twisty circuit, which winds through Ednam Road, Parsons Street, Wolverhampton Street, Priory Street and The Broadway, where a finish gantry will be installed as the lap concludes on Priory Road by Dudley College.

The event will open at 4pm with a community ride running for 45 minutes to give families the chance to cycle the course. Applications for this steady-paced ride around the track are open now with 100 participants able to take part on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 underway at 7.30pm, before the event concludes with the men’s national circuit series finale which starts at 8.30pm. Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said:

"The Dudley Grand Prix is a fantastic opportunity to put our borough back in the spotlight after the success of the Commonwealth Games cycling time trials last summer.

"Due to the nature of the event, there will be some disruption to traffic in Dudley town centre while it’s taking place, so we’re working with residents and businesses on the route to help them to plan ahead and minimise the impact on trade.

"All of our council-owned car parks in the town centre will be free on the day to help more people to get into Dudley and enjoy a great family night out.

"Temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in place on the day of the event with some disruption to travel expected in Dudley town centre."

Residents and businesses that are located on the course will receive a joint letter from Dudley Council and the Dudley Grand Prix organisers about the traffic restrictions and car parking arrangements. Marshals will be available in several locations throughout the route to assist pedestrian crossing during the event.

For any questions about access during the race, contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.

For more information on the Dudley Grand Prix, including a full list of road closures and traffic restrictions, visit the Dudley Grand Prix page.