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Shropshire welcomes over 170 cyclists for sportive

Shropshire Hills Cycle Sportive
Event: 3rd July 2011
Event Details

Over 170 cyclists from as far a field as Bolton, Bedford and the Peak District set off from Bridgnorth High Street on the morning of Sunday 3rd July into the Shropshire countryside to take on a tough 50 or 100 mile route including the Clee Hill and the Long Mynd.

The riders, spectators and organisers were blessed with a bright warm sunny day with three well stocked feed stations at Caynham, The Stipperstones and Leighton providing some well earn respite for the riders taking on the challenge.

Great excitement and applause greeted the riders as they come home into the High Street which was closed to traffic for the day with Dam Lambsdell of Wrekinsport Cycling Club first man back closely followed by local man Alex Thomas of the recently established Bridgnorth Cycling Club, both completing the 50 miles route.

Two of the areas top riders, Bridgnorth's Jason Mayer (Stourbridge Velo) and Dave Starkey (Born2bike) rode the 100 mile course together and were first back soaking up the atmosphere in the High Street as they rolled over the line in unison.

The event was organised by Mamil Cycling that includes Richard Smith, Bridgnorth's British, European and World Champion transplant cycling champion. Mamil Cycling Director, John Ireson commented: "This was the first of what we hope will be an annual sportive based in Bridgnorth. The town is a fantastic backdrop for an event like this and the surrounding countryside simply beautiful. We were delighted with the level of local support and hope even more riders will get involved next year."

Schwalbe, a specialist bicycle tyre manufacturer based in Telford and For Goodness Shakes who supply recovery drinks, sponsored the event.