Everything you need to know about the Chorley Grand Prix

WHAT IS IT?

The Chorley Grand Prix is a five-lap, 116 mile, cycling racecourse which is taking place on Sunday April 15 around the Chorley area. Chorley Council has teamed up with British Cycling to host the event for a fourth consecutive year. It is the opening round of the British Cycling Elite Road series - the 2018 HSBC UK Spring Cup series.

WHEN AND WHERE IS IT?

The race starts at 11am and the start and finish line will be on Park Road in Chorley town centre and the road race will take place in Chorley, Limbrick, Rivington, Belmont, Abbey Village, Withnell, Brinscall, Wheelton, Buckshaw Village and back to Chorley.

If you’re coming to watch, the race starts at the gantry which will be sited on Park Road, close to its junction with Millfield Road (near Astley Park)

The race passes through the start/finish line on each lap (there’s five laps) and there will be a sprint finish at the end that you will be able to watch if you are here.

At the end of the race, the podium will also be located at the side of the finish line.

HOW LONG IS THE RACE?

The race distance is 116 miles or 186.7 kilometres, which is 23.2 miles or 37.3 kilometres per lap.

WILL ROADS BE CLOSED?

There will be road closures through Chorley from 11am until 4pm but Park Road and part of Queen’s Road will be closed from 6am until 6pm.

Southport Road will be closed for the last lap only and one side of Sheep House Lane and Rivington Road will be closed to west-bound traffic for the day. There will be parking restrictions and diversion routes in place around these areas.

WHERE ELSE CAN YOU SEE THE RACE?

There are other view points along the course. There will be the King of the Mountains challenge on the road to Belmont and many good spots in and around Rivington and Belmont will be able to view this. Brinscall

and Buckshaw Village will also provide good views of the riders but the main spectator area will be along Park Road in Chorley town centre.

WHAT ELSE WILL THERE BE TO DO?

Entertainment and activities will also take place on Park Road while the riders are out on the course. Plus some town centre shops and businesses will be open in this area.

As well as this, Chorley Council is offering 50 places for children aged between 7 and 11 to race the last 300 metres of the racecourse and to experience what it’s like to cross the official finish line of the Chorley Grand Prix in front of spectators on the day of the race. So if you have children who want to join in, you can register them on the Chorley Council website

PARKING?

If you’re trying to park your car, there are several car parks in Chorley town centre but the Queen’s Road car park will be closed on the day of the race.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

If you’re coming by car, use junction 8 off the M61 or junction 28 off the M6. Chorley town centre is easily accessed from the A6, which passes directly through Chorley.

If coming by bus, the main bus route is the 125/126, which links Chorley to Preston and Bolton. There are also direct bus routes from Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Lake District.

If you’re coming by rail, Chorley is on the main train line between Manchester and Blackpool. If you are travelling on a long distance service you will need to change at Manchester or Preston.