Mirfield cycle fans bring elite race to centre

Huddersfield bike raceorganiser Dave Sowerby with Nathan Clegg from One17 design a major sponsor and has designed the race website and logo.

Dave Sowerby, of Mirfield’s Sowerby Brothers Cycles, has worked alongside Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) to bring a city centre cycling race, or Criterium, to Huddersfield on July 4.

Mr Sowerby said: “It will be a big curtain-raiser for the Tour de France in Kirklees.

“The day that British Cycling gave us just happened to be on the eve of the Grand Départ.”

Coun Bolt said: “We are bringing the elite of the British cycling world to Kirklees.”

He said other places that had hosted similar races have enjoyed a boost to local economy equivalent to a second New Year’s Eve.

Tour de France stage winner Brian Robinson said: “Hats off to the guys who are doing this.

“I hope everyone turns out and enjoys the spectacle.”

Coun Bolt said the event was paid for by its sponsors and would be of no cost to the taxpayer.

Both of the organisers said they would be too busy that evening to take part in the race itself.

Coun Bolt said: “I think I’ll leave that to the athletes!”

The Criterium is split into three races – support, youth and elite.

Among the cyclists taking part in the elite race are Adam Blythe, a former teammate of 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, and Greg Mansell, the son of former Formula One champion Nigel Mansell.

The primary sponsors for the race are One17 Design and Cycle Division, both from Huddersfield.

Contributions have also come from Ramsdens Family Butcher in Mirfield and Longley Concrete in Thornhill Lees.