Commonwealth Games and World Championship medallists are expected to be amongst the cycling stars lining up for the 51st Lincoln Grand Prix to be held in and around the tourist areas of Lincoln and surrounding countryside on Sunday, May 7th.

Having celebrated its 50th year in 2005 the Grand Prix moves forward with a slightly different character. The hard slog around the 8 mile circuit where time and distance takes effect on the riders, particularly in the later stages, is lessened as the 2006 event will reduce to 11 laps of the circuit and a race distance of 86 miles. This should produce an equally exciting event but probably even faster than the 25 mph average speed of the event last year when recycling.com brothers Russell and Dean Downing claimed the first and second places on the podium with 1983 winner Malcolm Elliott third for the second year running.

The now classic circuit featuring the climb of the 1 in 6 and cobbled Michaelgate stays unchanged with the fast sweeping descent through picturesque Burton Village providing the link back to the City centre via the A57 and Long Leys Road. The race will again start at the Yarborough Leisure Centre to the north of the City leaving at 11.45 am with the finish expected in Castle Square at around 3 pm. Entries for the race continue with a field of around 150 riders expected to start.

The Mayor of Lincoln will present the winner with his £600 first prize from a total of £3000 on the prize list. The first East Midlands rider will also receive the JB Harvey Trophy and a prize of £50.

The prestige of the event has once more attracted the television cameras to the City and again the race will feature on Eurosport a week after the race. The 2005 coverage lasted for 52 minutes and received many excellent comments both on its coverage of the race and the views of the City. Coverage will also be available on the internet via the popular cycling.tv web site which also covers all the major international classic events.

The race is again supported by Lincoln City Council with additional sponsorship confirmed from PKF Accountants, NatWest Bank, Chattertons Solicitors, James Oliver Conservatories, Jackson Building Centres, Lincolnshire Co-Operative, The Lindum Group and Impsport. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and any companies interested should contact race organiser Ian Emmerson on 01522 750000 for details.

Radio Lincolnshire will be present in Castle Square with their Outside Broadcast Bus to present regular updates and interviews during the race.