The unique 1.3km figure of eight course snakes around Bristol City Hall and will be taking place alongside the University's undergraduate open day.

The event aims to provide a new platform for encouraging and supporting cycling in the city. Bristol is the UK's first cycling city and the Bristol Grand Prix is a competitive showcase for the city's cycling community, with all levels of bike racing - from elite to junior development riders.

As a sponsor of the event, the University's Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health (SEH) will be entering a team for the corporate relay which preludes the main elite men's race.

The team comprises of a range of staff from different areas of the department and includes fitness instructors, lifeguards, physiotherapists and managers, aged between 22 and 47.

Team captain Peter Burrows, Physical Activity and Health Development Officer for SEH, said: "While no structured or formal training has been undertaken, we remain confident our unique blend of expertise and the mixture of youthful exuberance and veteran cunning will stand us in good stead for a podium. We come up against serious competition from Avon and Somerset Police, Rolls Royce and many other big firms from across the city."

The race promises to be a fast and furious team relay, and the University's Mighty Maroon team would welcome any supporters when they compete in the corporate relay race, which starts at 5.30pm on Saturday.