Cycle classic famed for cobbled climb reaches 70
Phil CrowOne of Britain's most prestigious cycling races is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
The Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix, which has been running since 1956, will be staged on 10 May.
Organisers say the event – which includes a 656ft (200m) climb up the cobbles of Michaelgate towards Lincoln Cathedral – is the country's longest‑running and biggest single-day road race.
Gary Coltman, of ITP Events, said: "It's the race that everybody wants to win and the reason being because it's held in such a fantastic setting."
The grand prix is expected to attract hundreds of cyclists and thousands of spectators to the city.
A sportive event, open to amateur riders, and a community ride will be held on 9 May, the day before the main races.
Coltman said the event had a "large economic impact", bringing in more than £250,000 to the area.
"It really shows off the city fantastically well and often the spectators are coming to see the bike race, but they learn so much about the city at the same time," he added.
Phil CrowThe Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix was first staged in the summer of 1956 and the trophy is named in memory of rider Roy Hart, who died during the 1959 edition.
It has been held every year except in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A women's race was introduced in 2015.
Previous stars to compete at the event include Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins, record-breaking sprinter Mark Cavendish and Dame Sarah Storey, who is Britain's most successful Paralympian.
Ed Hughes, of the University of Lincoln, which has signed a three-year sponsorship deal, said the race was "puts Lincoln on the map".
As part of the deal, university students will be given opportunities to gain experience in aspects of the race such as physiotherapy, event management and media relations.
When and where
The Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix will take place on an 8-mile (13km) circuit, which starts and finishes in Castle Square, on 10 May.
Organisers have recommended watching the action from Castle Square, Burton Village, Saxilby Road, Michaelgate, Long Leys Road and the Bailgate area.
The women's race, over eight laps, is due to start at 09:00 BST. The men will take on 13 laps from 13:00.
Road closures
There will be full road closures on:
- Bailgate
- Castle Hill
- Drury Lane between Wordsworth Street and Castle Square
- Exchequergate
- Hungate
- Michaelgate
- Motherby Lane
- The Avenue
- Wordsworth Street
- Yarborough Road from Long Lees Road to Burton Road
A one-way system will operate on:
- A57 from Burton Waters to Long Leys Road
- Main Street and Fen Lane (Burton)
- Long Leys Road
Other roads along the route will close on a rolling basis for 8 to 10 minutes as the riders and support vehicles pass, before reopening.
According to organisers, parking restrictions will apply in some areas from 16:00 on 9 May.
The University of Lincoln will provide free spectator parking at its Brayford Pool campus.
Community rides
On 9 May, the sportive event will allow amateur riders to enjoy three routes, of lengths ranging from 53 to 100 miles, in the Lincolnshire Wolds and city centre, including the Michaelgate climb. Riders should enter via the Lincoln Grand Prix website.
The Ford Geely Lincoln Community Ride, at 18:00 the same day, will be open to cyclists of any ability, including young riders, with the route around the cathedral. Riders must wear helmets and register in advance. Details are available on the Lincoln Grand Price Facebook page.
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