Local News 2011

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Lisburn gears up for the world's fastest road race

Thousands of spectators expected in City for Bike Week 2011

LISBURN is gearing up for another fantastic Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week which runs from Sunday, 7th August, right through to Saturday the 13th.

This annual event attracts thousands of riders and spectators from across the Province, the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and further afield.

Lisburn City Council is again be supporting the event and the Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading, hosted a reception this week to promote the event. He said: "On behalf of the Council I would like to publicly thank all the riders, teams and visitors for attending this event, whether it be their first time or they are once again returning to the world's fastest road race.

"I would like to thank the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club for deciding to continue to promote this important road race and I hope that the good weather we have seen over the last few years shine on the race continue. In recent months the Club members have been working hard to prepare the pits area for both riders and visitors.

'As the Mayor of Lisburn I look forward to attending the races and standing on the grid to start that racing. I wish every competitive rider a very safe race," he concluded.

2011 is the 89th year since the beginning of the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Races and the support for it continues to grow year on year.

Alderman Paul Porter, Vice-Chair of the Council's Leisure Services Committee, also present at the reception, said: "The Council is delighted to support this event. I would like to thank all the sponsors associated with the Ulster Grand Prix and welcome McKinstry Skip Hire back again as title sponsor.

"The support of these organisations alongside the Council and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is vital and appreciated by all to help ensure the future of this historic event. May I also commend the UGP Supporters Club for continuing to raise considerable funds to keeping this famous road race on the Dundrod circuit.

"Everyone involved with the event is indebted to the PSNI, the local community and landowners in the Dundrod area for their continued support in ensuring that the Ulster Grand Prix continues at Dundrod."

Mr. Noel Johnson, Clerk of the Course, speaking about the event and its sponsors, said: "With only a few days to go until Bike Week kicks off, the transformation at Dundrod is almost complete. It's a year long job to pull the event together, and it wouldn't be possible without the help of organisations such as Lisburn City Council, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and a whole host of other sponsors. Thank you all, it is very much appreciated.

"We have a terrific line up of competitors once again, with all the top names there — riders such as John McGuinness, Guy Martin, Cameron Donald, Michael and William Dunlop, Ryan Farquhar, Bruce Anstey, Keith Amor and Gary Johnson to name a few.

"No doubt many of them will be looking to end their international road racing season on a high so we're set to see some thrilling action. Here's to some good weather and above all, safe racing next week," he said.

Lisburn City Council wishes everyone at the races an enjoyable time and hopes that the riders and their support teams have a successful and safe Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week.

International line-up

A TOP line-up of international riders will be making their way to the local area as Bike Week 2011 looks set to welcome more international visitors than ever before.

Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston said; "I'm very pleased with the final list of competitors this year, which sees entrants from all over the world. European countries such as Finland, Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, Hungary and of course the UK and Ireland, are all well represented.

"We also have riders from further afield, with teams from Canada, New Zealand and Australia signed up to take part. It's great to be able to bring these people to Northern Ireland and show them what we have to offer, besides the World's Fastest Road Race."

The all star line up including Honda TT Legends John McGuinness and Keith Amor; local favourites Ryan Farquhar, William Dunlop and Michael Dunlop; and many more road racing stars such as Guy Martin, Cameron Donald and Gary Johnson will compete around the infamous 7 mile Dundrod circuit.

Ulster Star
05/08/2011