World champion cyclist Joanna Rowsell signs up for Shrewsbury race
An Olympic gold medal winner will be taking to the streets in Shrewsbury's Grand Prix later this month.
World champion cyclist Joanna Rowsell MBE will take part in the women-only race on May 25.
The 25-year-old British team pursuit champion, whose parents live in the area, said: "I am really looking forward to racing in Shrewsbury during what should be a fun, action-packed afternoon of events.
"It is always great to race in front of a crowd and the course looks like it should produce some exciting racing."
Ms Rowsell, who was part of the women's team pursuit gold-winning team on the track at London 2012, also commended race organisers for supporting women's cycling, praising the fact that the same prizes were up for grabs as for the men's race.
"Women's cycling has grown massively over the last few years and, especially since the Olympics, I have noticed a huge increase in the number of women competing as well as cycling for leisure.
"It is great that race organisers are recognising this and promoting the sport and ensuring equality with the men," she said.
Organised by the Paramount Cycling Racing Team, the Shrewsbury Grand Prix is expected to attract thousands of spectators.
"This is a great chance for people to come out and watch an Olympic gold medallist in action," said race organiser Ben Lawrence, managing director of Beaumont Lawrence, which is sponsoring the event, along with Shrewsbury's Stan's Cycles, Cooper Green, Pooks and Pure Telecom.
The event has the full backing of British Cycling and will be a nationally ranked race. It will involve tight circuit-based cycle racing, with the top cyclists expected to reach speeds of 40mph.
The course will run around part of the town centre with The Square being the hub of the event. There is also a host of family events, set up in conjunction with Cycle Shrewsbury.
