British Cycling has announced its 2010 National Road Race Championships are coming to the borough!

The date is set for Sunday, June 27th, and the event will include the Elite Men's and Elite Women's races, with more than 300 cyclists taking part.

"This is fantastic news, as it puts us on the fast track on the cycling map of Britain," said Coun. John David, leader of Pendle Council.
"Olympic medallists Bradley Wiggins and Pendle's own Steven Burke will be battling it out with up to 200 riders, including Tour de France multiple stage winner Mark Cavendish. Mark is currently on the final shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award."

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And Coun. David added: "In the women's event, Olympic Gold and Silver medallists Nicole Cooke and Emma Pooley will be fighting for the right to wear the coveted national champion's jersey for a year.

"This is a major opportunity to boost tourism and to show people Pendle is a fantastic part of Britain. There's likely to be live TV coverage of the races, which will start and finish at Barley picnic site," he explained.

Pendleside ward councillor James Starkie is co-ordinating the event on behalf of the villages and said: "It's a bit like bringing the FA Cup Final to Pendleside!

"Just like the TT on the Isle of Man, the 7½ mile circular route from Barley to Blacko, to Roughlee and back to Barley will be closed for much of the day. So we are making sure residents are inconvenienced as little as possible and know exactly what's happening," he explained.

Mr Brian Cookson, Pendle Council's executive director (regeneration), who is also president of British Cycling, said: "We're asking councillors to support the event and make a contribution out of their Area Committee budget towards the costs.

"The bulk of these costs will be covered by external funding, private sector sponsorship and the council's main events budget. We also need the support of the local community to ensure the event is a success for everyone."