The Grand Prix is part of the British Cycling’s National Circuit Series, meaning “points are at stake for the teams, for individual riders”.
“Scores are going to be settled,” Etches added.
At 17:00 BST, a community ride will start, giving families and casual cyclists who have booked in advance a chance to take on the circuit before the professionals.
The youth races begin at 17:55 BST, followed by a regional circuit race with 80 riders, then the elite women’s and elite men’s events.
Arundel Gate, Norfolk Street, Union Street, Norfolk Street and Surrey Street will be fully or partly closed between 15:30 and 23:30.
Furnival Gate will also be shut going out of the city only, to the junction of Pinstone Street and Arundel Gate.
Access to and from Arundel Gate for the Q-Park, Novotel or St Pauls will be enables for 10-minute sections at 17:35, 18:25 and 20:25.