Thousands of people will have the opportunity to get close to the action as the heart of Cheltenham is transformed into a cycle track for the whole community.
For the first time, Cheltenham Festival of Cycling – returning after a successful event in May – will feature a criterium race which consists of several laps around a closed road circuit. This adrenaline fuelled road race will see competitors complete as many laps as possible of a 1.3km loop through Bayshill and Montpellier.
The event, which takes place on Sunday 1st September, includes youth, amateur, corporate and elite categories.
Cheltenham Festival of Cycling will also be giving the opportunity for everyone – no matter what age or ability – to get involved and the local community is being urged to take part in the HSBC UK Let’s Ride event – a traffic-free, family friendly course running from 11am-12pm.
Ruth Miller, lead Cycling Delivery Manager at British Cycling said: “We’re delighted that the Festival will host a mass participation ride as part of the HSBC UK Let’s Ride family of events across the country, as well as a series of town centre criterium races. It’s fantastic that local people have the opportunity to ride on traffic-free streets or watch and be inspired by some quality racing skills on display from young rides through to senior races.”
As well as the criterium race, there will be an event village within Montpellier Gardens which will host local cycling clubs, coaching skills on a children’s track and the national cycling team cars. There will be plenty for spectators to get involved in.
The event opens at 11am and finishes at 8.30pm after the elite winners take to the podium.
Councillor Rowena Hay, Cabinet Member for Finance said: ‘’I am delighted that once again, our very own Festival of Cycling returns to Cheltenham, with something on offer for everyone. It’s really great to see how businesses, residents, visitors, community groups and families of all ages come together to celebrate cycling. This will be an energetic, fun and inspiring way to round off the summer holidays.’’
Most activities are free of charge and some will require advance booking – visit www.cheltenhamcyclingfestival.org.uk for more information.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Marketing Cheltenham
Marketing Cheltenham is the Destination Marketing Organisation for Cheltenham, operating as a division of Cheltenham Borough Council. The organisation is responsible for growing Cheltenham’s visitor economy, encouraging visitors to the town, to get them to stay longer and support the local tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses. This, in turn, will support economic growth – new jobs, business creation – and culture for the continued benefit of local people.
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About British Cycling
British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling as recognised by the UCI – the international federation for the sport. Based in Manchester at the National Cycling Centre, British Cycling works across all levels and six disciplines of the sport (BMX, Mountain Bike, Cyclo-cross, Road, Track and Cycle Speedway), from providing the support and encouragement people need to get riding their bikes for the first time, to being home to the hugely successful Great Britain Cycling Team. Continued success at the highest level is inspiring a boom in participation across the nation. There have never been more opportunities to ride a bike, be it for fun or sport, and British Cycling is at the heart of this growth. British Cycling also works hard to represent cyclists’ interests at all levels, including campaigning on important issues including road safety. As a membership organisation, British Cycling provides a suite of benefits and support to its members who currently number over 160,000. All membership revenue is invested back into cycling. For more information, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk
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