2022 Commonwealth Games cycling time trial to showcase Black Country and rural Staffordshire
Iconic Black Country landmarks and rural Staffordshire will be showcased during the 2022 Commonwealth Games cycling time trial, it was announced today.
Wolverhampton’s West Park was already confirmed to host the start and finish of the event on Thursday, August 4.
Full details of the course have now been revealed with men set to race against the clock over 37 kilometres, while the women will tackle a shorter 29km route. From the bandstand at West Park, riders will loop around Wolverhampton city centre and out through Sedgley to Dudley, where they will pass by the town’s famous zoo and castle.
The return route sees the women head back to Wolverhampton through Gospel End, while the men loop through Staffordshire taking in Himley and Wombourne. Both courses finish at the Southgate of West Park.
The time trial will be among the biggest tests of strength and endurance to feature at the Games, with the event free for the vast majority of spectators. Tickets will only be required for the start and finish in West Park.
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment and climate change said: “We are really looking forward to seeing the Commonwealth Games cycling time trial start and finish at Wolverhampton’s spectacular West Park.
2022 Commonwealth Games course
“Having such a high-profile race travel through the city centre and along some of our main residents can expect to enjoy in Wolverhampton which is proud to be part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”
Full course descriptions and course maps are available now at birmingham2022.com where frequently asked questions for each of the events have also been added, to provide local residents and businesses with as much information as possible.
Organisers plan to engage with residents to share all of the information currently available. Details of road closures and traffic management plans are expected to be available in the spring.
Amanda Tomlinson, chair of the Active Black Country board, said: “We are delighted to have worked with our Black Country and Birmingham 2022 partners to bring the cycling time trial to Wolverhampton and the wider area.
“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is already proving to be a real catalyst for encouraging more people to get physically active.
“Hopefully this news will encourage people across the Black Country to get on their bikes and explore their local area.”
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, Councillor Victoria Wilson said: "The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be a huge event for our region and we’re proud to be hosting part of a second event here in Staffordshire.
"The cycling time trial event in August will bring some of the finest athletes in the world to our county, which is great news and I’d encourage communities to get involved.
"This will help to showcase the superb rural scenery in Staffordshire on the short stretch before heading back towards the city. We’re also hosting the mountain biking event on Cannock Chase, so Staffordshire is undoubtedly making its mark on the games and to a worldwide audience. We’ll be working with colleagues at the district council and with the event organisers to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible."
Councillor Roger Lees, leader of South Staffordshire Council, said: "We look forward to welcoming elite athletes from around the world to our district next year. It’s fantastic news that the cycling time trial event takes in a part of South Staffordshire – offering a lifetime opportunity for our residents and communities to experience a global sporting event on their doorsteps.
"I’d encourage as many people as possible to come and support the event as it passes through the beautiful villages of Penn Common, Gospel End, Wombourne and Himley. We will of course keep residents and businesses up to date with the latest information in the lead-up to the time trial.
"Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games promises to be a truly memorable experience, helping us to raise our profile as a district and inspiring our communities through sport and by playing our part in a major event."
