ORGANISERS of a major Northwich biking event have found a way to beat archaic road traffic laws that threatened to prevent it from taking place this year.

The Thundersprint, which attracted 75,000 people to the town last year, needs to be held at a new venue this year because of the stabilisation work taking place in the Baron's Quay car park.

A new route, which required the closure of public roads, was planned - but the organisers found out the roads could not be closed for an event that involved racing.

After inspecting the laws, it was discovered that motorcycling demonstrations could go ahead on the public roads, and times taken to complete the course could be announced, as long as winners were not declared.

It is expected that Thundersprint 2005 will have a new course consisting of about 550 yards of twisting roads, which will climb from the town centre following the line of the River Weaver.

Organiser Frank Melling said: "The 2005 course will give much better spectator viewing than the old car park track - good as that was. There will not be a better experience for spectators anywhere in the world."

With the emphasis on nostalgia, riders will be encouraged to show the style of their machines with awards for those demonstrating their bikes in the most authentic way.

These awards will take the place of the conventional Thundersprint races, which have been held in previous years.

At least 100,000 people are expected to converge on Northwich from all over the globe for the event.

Vale Royal borough councillors will consider a request for funding towards this year's extravaganza at an executive meeting tomorrow, Thursday.

In a report to tomorrow's borough council executive meeting, Richard Hallows, Vale Royal director of social and community services, says the 2005 event is proposed for May 8 with the classic motorcycling part of the event taking place on Barons Quay Road and Leicester Street, subject to road closure procedures.

He said: "The event will be changed for this year with the track being used as an exhibition of riding skills only."

jbrakell@guardiangrp.co.uk

l What do you think of the Thundersprint? Should it go ahead on public roads and does it bring a huge boost to the town's economy? Email your views to northwich@guardiangrp.co.uk