A TOP Australian cyclist is travelling from Brisbane to Bolton next month to take part in the Horwich Festival of Racing.

Ross Freeman, aged 24, currently rides for Australian National Road Series’ team, AMR Renault, and has raced at the highest levels in both Australia and New Zealand.

He wanted to acclimatise himself to European weather and contacted the British Cycling Federation to confirm that his Union Cycliste Internationale (ICI) international licence from the Australian Cycling Federation cleared the way for him to take part in races in the UK.

As a result, Mr Freeman will be taking part in the highlight of the two-day event, the Emerson Grand Prix, at 7pm on Saturday, June 18 when elite cyclists will race 30 laps of the town centre circuit at speeds up to 30mph.

“I’m thrilled to be accepted into the Emerson Grand Prix,” said Mr Freeman. “Whilst I am in the UK, I would like to continue my racing and training at an elite level and this offers the perfect opportunity to add more top level racing to my program.”

Mr Freeman has currently been confirmed to start in the London Nocturn and other races on the Elite Circuit Series.

He added: "I am chasing as much exposure to elite level British racing as possible.”

The Aussie cyclist has already received an advanced taste of Northern hospitality when the Holiday Inn in Higher Bridge Street, Bolton, offered him free accommodation during his visit.

Manager Dieter Koch said: “As an avid cyclist myself, I feel it’s an honour that the Holiday Inn is supporting such a fantastic local event.”

The annual festival on the streets of Horwich on June 18 and 19 attracts around 1,000 competitors and spectators.

There are events for adults and children, along with music and street entertainment, and organisers are confident that this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.

President of the Festival, Barbara Ronson, said: “This year’s festival will be even more exciting with £1,000 prize money. It will also be a great spectator event — and it’s free.”

For more information on the event go to www.horwichfestivalofracing.co.uk