To this, the 21st edition of the British Cycling Yorkshire’s annual Grand Prix. After a year away down in South Yorkshire with the Wentworth Woodhouse Grand Prix, we return once again to our traditional North Yorkshire venue. Now styled as the North Yorkshire Grand Prix the name change reflects the introduction of the county wide unitary authority as well as the ambition to develop closer cycling links in North Yorkshire. Once again the event will be sponsored by Grass Concrete Limited showcasing their Worldwide Grasscrete environmental paving system
As is also traditional for the event, the organisational team will be in the form of Team Yorkshire. A network of volunteers, coming together under the direction of British Cycling Yorkshire Region. For most of the volunteer team, who you’ll see in our distinctive Yorkshire coloured shirts, this is a significant commitment. Ampleforth doesn’t lie on many doorsteps and so the Team takes up residency each year in hostelries dotted around the area. This in itself makes a large contribution to the local Tourism economy and helps to forge a mutual benefit with North Yorkshire Council.
Working in this way, we are able to develop the team spirit of which we are rightly proud and provide vital training opportunities, for volunteers who are able to experience the inside of a ‘big race’. Over the years this as been a major factor in the development of Commissaires from Regional through to International status and for Organisers who have learned their craft on the event before going onto themselves promoting major events.
We shouldn’t of course forget what it’s all about and the impact the event has for riders and teams. The very first Grand Prix was promoted as the National Road Race Championships back in 2005, a feat to be repeated in 2008 and 2012, when we moved to our current Ampleforth venue from Duncombe Park in Helmsley.
Throughout each of the twenty Grand Prix a key feature has been the relentless ‘full gas’ racing over circuits best described as ‘challenging’. Maybe the hills are rolling, rather than mountainous, but when these contours combine with grippy roads the day is usually set to be attritional for all involved and a great watch for our spectators, especially within the magnificent Ampleforth Abbey grounds.
Please enjoy your North Yorkshire Grand Prix experience and make it a safe one.
Bob Howden OBE FRSA
Event Organiser
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