Manchester is revving up to host a day of thrills and spills tomorrow as the Red Bull City Trial rolls back into the city.
Many of the biggest names in trial biking are set to compete, including Silsden-born 12-time Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin.
This year’s course has been built on Deansgate, featuring ramps and other challenging obstacles for the bikers to tackle.
Speaking to Redbull.com, Yorkshireman Lampkin said “It is simply amazing to have Red Bull City Trial coming back to Manchester for a third year in a row.
“The event belongs in this great city, and what is unbelievable is that the actual location gets better each year.
“The new head-to-head format worked really well last year, it created some really close battles, plenty of drama, some good crashes and went down a storm with the audience who were not previously familiar with our sport.”
The expected influx of visitors for the event has cheered town hall chiefs who say the event is further evidence of Manchester’s standing.
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, added: “Events like this make sure that Manchester retains its reputation as having one of the UK’s most vibrant and exciting city centres.
“Thousands of visitors will flock to the city this weekend, which means a welcomed boost for the city centre economy.”
Last year thousands flocked to Exchange Square to see bikers take on some pretty local obstacles, including riding along two Metrolink carriages.
As part of the City Trail, bikers compete head-to-head in time trials, with three rounds to decide the overall winner.
However, some Mancunians are unhappy with the closure of Deansgate this weekend.
Angry motorists took to social media to voice their disapproval.
User @acs_immo said: “Why is Deansgate closed??? It’s causing absolute carnage! Got to love Manchester traffic.”
Why is Deansgate closed??? It’s causing absolute carnage! Got to love Manchester traffic.
— Andrew Simpson (@acs_immo) October 2, 2014
Another @RobbALX said the event was already causing travel chaos.
@ManCityCouncil why have u closed deansgate for an event ? Causing travel chaos across the city.!
— robalx (@RobbALX) October 2, 2014
Image courtesy of Robbo Robinson via YouTube, with thanks.
