Open day to welcome cycling time trials to North Lanarkshire

John McLaren believes the experience of having the event in his ward could see further cycling events come to town.

The time trial will run its way through Muirhead, Chryston and Moodiesburn, on July 31, and Mr McLaren has helped arrange an open day to commemorate the event.

He said: “We’re hoping everyone from the villages will come out support us as we welcome the event to the community.

“I don’t think we’ll ever see a stage of the Tour de France in this area but I hope after the Commonwealth Games we’ll be in a position to fight for a stage of the Tour of Britain.

“If all goes well in the Games, there will no be reason why we can’t do that.”

The event, which will take place atMuir Park, will include a number of market stalls and performances from the North Lanarkshire Schools pipe band.

RAF cadets will also be on hand for the day, while members of the Chryston Bowling Club will be giving lessons to anyone looking to take up the game.

Residents from the nearby Chiltern’s Care Home will also have a stall, to allow its residents to take part.

There will also be a handful of kids races, with prizes donated by local manufacturing plant Devro.