Staffordshire celebrates Birmingham 2022 hosting two Games events

Staffordshire has been celebrating the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games this week, as the county hosted two events and top international athletes.

On Wednesday, the sell-out mountain biking event took place on the nationally acclaimed trails at Birches Valley, Cannock Chase, with over 2,500 people turning out to watch it.

Earlier today, (Thursday 4 August) hundreds of people also turned out to cheer on the riders in the cycling time trial event, which hit the streets of South Staffordshire. The race started and finished in Wolverhampton’s West Park and passed through Penn Common, Gospel End, Wombourne and Himley, offering residents the opportunity to spectate at one of five free road events being held over the course of the games.

In the men’s event, Australia’s Rohan Dennis took gold with a time of 46 minutes 21.24 seconds followed by England’s Fred wright securing silver and finally Geraint Thomas from Wales who took bronze following an earlier crash. In the women’s race, Australia’s Grace Brown took home the gold, England’s Anna Henderson got silver with New Zealand’s Georgia Williams taking bronze.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, Victoria Wilson said: “This week we’ve been able to showcase our wonderful rural scenery in Staffordshire at a prestigious international event and during the Jubilee year.

“We know Staffordshire is a superb visitor destination and the Games will certainly enhance this reputation.  It’s been fantastic to welcome all of the athletes and visitors to Staffordshire and we hope they’ve had an enjoyable time and memorable stay here.

“Well done to all our own home grown athletes who have competed so far – representing their country on this stage is an outstanding achievement.”

Councillor Len Bates, Cabinet Member for Community Services at South Staffordshire Council, said: “We were delighted to play a part in hosting the Commonwealth Games, with the Time Trial events passing through the district.

“It was wonderful to see so many residents unite to spectate along the route for such an iconic sporting event.

“After a few very difficult years with lockdowns and restrictions, it’s been fantastic to have so many opportunities this summer for our communities to once again get out and spend time with each other.”

The main Games website can be found at www.birmingham2022.com

The Games’ closing ceremony takes place on Monday at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.