Cycle races could unearth sport's next big name

Youth events will take place alongside elite women and men's races in Sheffield

Thousands of people are expected to watch potential world champions at a cycling event in Sheffield city centre later.

The Sheffield Grand Prix, part of the British Cycling National Circuit Race Series, will see top teams and riders from across the country compete on Wednesday evening.

Former winners include Leeds Olympian and world champion Tom Pidcock.

Arundel Gate, Tudor Square and some city centre roads around the circuit will be closed during the event until about 22:30 BST, organisers said.

The course, which covers 1.4km (0.87 miles) of the city centre, will see riders tackle cobbles and pass landmarks such as the Crucible Theatre and the town hall.

Now in its 10th year, a community cycle ride takes place from 17:00, giving families the chance to take on the circuit before the professionals.

Afterwards, youth races and a support race will take place before the women's elite race starts at 19:25.

The men's elite race will then begin at 20:30.

The route includes a cobbled section in the city centre

Race director Marc Etches said the racing will be "quick and non-stop" with the athletes having the potential to become the next "big name" in the sport.

"We might be getting the next Mark Cavendish. We have some young riders coming through.

"We saw Tom Pidcock win it here in 2017, and now Tom's gone off to ride for Ineos and become a world champion. This system does work and hopefully will produce the next world champion," he added.

Road closures

The route will go past the Peace Gardens, Tudor Square, Arundel Gate and Furnival Gate

A number of roads will be closed to allow the racing to take place.

From 12:00, Tudor Square will be closed with Norfolk Street and Surrey Street to be closed until 22:30.

Union Street and one lane of Furnival Gate wills be shut from 16:30 until the end of the event.

Arundel Gate towards Norfolk Street will also be closed and buses will stop elsewhere.

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