Traffic information ahead of elite cycling event in Newark town centre tonight (Friday, July 29)

Several roads in Newark town centre will close this afternoon and bus services suspended as elite cycle races come to town.

A host of cycle races take place through the town centre streets over several hours from 4pm, including the finals of the men’s and women’s elite National Circuit Series.

Newark and Sherwood District Council said: "Please make plans to find alternative routes to travel if you are driving in Newark town centre during this time."

The following roads will be closed, or have restricted access, from 3pm: Kirkgate, Middlegate, Boar Lane, Stodman Street, Castlegate, Lombard Street, Cartergate, Bridge Street, Wilson Street and part of Baldertongate.

Full information about the road closures is available at www.newarksherwooddc.gov.uk/newarktowncentreraces/

In addition, the NCP Lombard Street and Appletongate carparks will be closed to the public from noon.

Bus services by Marshalls and Stagecoach will not operate in and out of Newark from 3pm.

Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets for the event, which will feature a combination of leisure, amateur and elite races over several hours.

It includes the final rounds of the National Circuit Series, featuring Newark’s own Isabel Darvil and Rebecca Richards.

The 1.1km circuit takes in Kirkgate, Middlegate, Stodman Street, Castlegate, Lombard Street, Cartergate, Bridge Street, Wilson Street, and part of Baldertongate.

The start and finish will be in Newark Market Place.

Champion fundraiser Rupert Brooke will launch the event with a lap of honour of the course with triple Olympic gold medalist Ed Clancy.

Rupert recently raised £34,000 for the Newark-based Children’s Bereavement Centre by cycling from London to Paris.

The Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff ­— a keen cyclist — also intends complete the course.

The opening ceremony will take place at 4pm followed by a community ride for younger cyclists, families and businesses.

After that are races for younger age groups and amateurs.

The main event will start at 7.30pm for the women’s elite British Cycling National Circuit Series, followed by the men’s race at 8.30 pm.