Excitement builds for Shrewsbury Grand Prix

The Shrewsbury Grand Prix will go ahead on May 31 with a bumper list of entrants after a late flurry of interest.

More than 150 riders are set to take part in the event, which features women's and men's pro races, a youth race and opportunities for amateurs to ride the course.

There will also be equal prize money for the men's and women's races this year, the organisers confirmed last month.

Among those returning this year is 21-year-old Yorkshirewoman Brit Tate, winner of last year's women's race in a field which included London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell.

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"The excitement is really starting to build for Sunday," said race organiser Ben Lawrence, of Paramount Cycle Racing Team.

"It's great to see Brit will be returning to defend her title and it's fantastic to have a number of local riders competing too."

The British Cycling-backed event will see road closures in place from 8am, as well as reduced parking fees in the town.

The circuit will be open to the public from 1pm, with racing getting underway at 3pm. All races will start and finish in The Square.