This year Bristol will enjoy three races — including the headline HSBC UK | Lobster Pictures Bristol Grand Prix — before a mass participation Let’s Ride event in the afternoon.

The full schedule for the event is:

• 8.00am
  Bath Ales Men’s 3/4 Race
• 9.00am 
  Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers Women’s Bristol Grand Prix (E/1/2/3)
• 10.30am
  HSBC UK | Lobster Pictures Bristol Grand Prix
• 1.30pm
  Let’s Ride Bristol
• 5.00pm
  Close

Check out our timetable page for more details, map, and start-lists for all races.

We’ve created a #LetsRideBristol booklet with all the information you need about the race, the route and the ride. We’ll be printing some for the day, so pick one up if you can, or download a copy.

What’s the HSBC UK | Grand Prix Series?

The HSBC UK | Grand Prix series is a race programme open to the UK and Europe’s best domestic teams. There are five races taking place at locations across the UK this summer. The rider with the most points will be crowned Grand Prix Series champion.

The series sees high-profile teams like Team Wiggins, JLT Condor, Morvello Basso and many others lining up against a host of ambitious amateurs keen to test themselves and make racing history. It’s an incredible event that will provide the springboard for some of the best upcoming talent.

Learn more about the HSBC UK | Grand Prix Series here.

This year we can also say we’ll have the new British Road Race champion Connor Swift competing in the famous stripes.

Short Course / Long Course

The Men’s 3/4 and Women’s Grand Prix races will be run on a fast and tough 1.5km loop.

Once completed, the course will be extended. The HSBC UK | Lobster Pictures Men’s Grand Prix and Let’s Ride events will tackle a new 6km course.

The route is packed full of tight bends, short rises and speedy straights that will test riders and delight spectators. The cobbles in Queen Square are a new challenge that riders – and race fans – are getting excited about.

The booklet and route card provides information on the course, crossing points and some suggested places you may want to watch the race.

Race Village

This year we’ve created an amazing race village, stacked with cycling businesses and brands you’ll want to meet.

You’ll be able to speak to Rapha, Kiri Cycles, Sole Cycling, the Bristol Bike Project, Allied Bicycles, Forever Pedalling and many others.

You’ll also be able to pick up some exclusive, limited edition BristolGP goods from our stall. We have a special range of John Pierce cycling prints available, celebrating the rich history of the sport we love. Read about this Bristol cycling legend in a fantastic piece in Roleur magazine.

Let’s Ride Bristol!

Once the racing has finished, we’re giving you the chance to ride the course as part of the Let’s Ride Bristol event. Bikes and riders of all shapes and sizes can enjoy the course for over three hours.

There’s no traffic, no speed limit and no cost.

Register online for all information.

It’s going to be an incredible day of cycling for all the family. Everyone’s invited!

Five essential tips for spectators

Phil Adkins, Race Director of the BristolGP and experienced race watcher gives his five essential tips to help you get the best out of the Bristol GP.

1. Make sure you know what time the races are on

There’s nothing worse than missing an important race so make a note of all the race times. You can find all of these available on our website, but be aware timings may change on the day.

2. Stake out your spot

Even though it’s really short, the race covers a varied terrain. If you want to see riders take sharp corners, negotiate tricky rises or love flat out speed then take some time to find your spot.

3. Move around the course

Even the shortest races are 30 minutes long, giving you the opportunity to watch it from various places. As you’re moving around the course, why not enjoy some of the great shops, cafes and pubs along the route?

4. Get involved

The BristolGP is your race, so get involved. Get your friends down. Find the best locations. Share photos of the racing as it happens with the #BristolGP hashtag. We’ll repost the best ones and may even have some prizes too. Once the races are won we can all take to the track in our thousands and show off Bristol, the cycling city. 

5. MAKE SOME NOISE!

All riders agreed that the BristolGP was amazing because of the support from the crowds, and the sheer noise from spectators. Cheer the riders on as they race by, bring banners and even bash on the barriers to make some noise. Whatever you do to enjoy the day, please respect the riders and their safety.

Who has made this possible?

Thanks for asking. The race has been made possible by our amazing sponsors and supporters, including:

British Cycling, Le Sportif, Bristol City Council, Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District, Lobster Pictures, Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers, Bath Ales, Go Faster Food, Pukka Herbs, Kiri Cycles, Rapha, Bowel Cancer West, Jaguar Guy Salmon Bristol, Mikes Bikes Portishead, Cycle Surgery, Shinobi Screen Print, Ad Art Design, 42group.

Finally, it’s only made possible by the incredible support we receive from our volunteers and from the city.

Bristol, we love you.