Britain’s big season opening sportive cycle event opens for entries at 12 noon on Tuesday 1st November 2011. Event details are already online at www.kilotogo.com enabling riders to commit to, prepare and plan well in advance for this challenge on the first day of British Summertime in 2012.
The 2012 Wiggle Cheshire Cat takes place on Sunday 25th March from the Crewe Alexandra Stadium in Crewe and is one of Britain’s biggest and most popular sportive events filling with 3,000 participants in previous years. The event is a mass-participation cycle ride taking place using mainly Cheshire based routes. Although non-competitive, the ride is considered a major physical challenge and preparation starts in the winter for some serious riders.
With three route options (45, 74 and 100 miles) to suit most abilities, the two longer options include some major climbs, notably ‘The Cat’s’ hallmark climb the Mow Cop Killer Mile on the Cheshire/Staffordshire border near Biddulph, and the Tour of Britain climb of Gun Hill near Leek. Title sponsor for the event is online bike retailer Wiggle and charity partner is Cancer Research UK. The Wiggle Cheshire Cat helps raise both awareness and fundraising opportunities for Cancer Research UK.
The Climb of Mow Cop is the main challenge within a challenge for many participants with people returning each year in an effort to conquer the climb and not resort to walking. “Mow Cop and I have unfinished business!” as previous participant Steve Hall says. Those who conquer Mow Cop collect a commemorative medal at the finish for doing so.
Technical Director Geoff Saxon said “The Wiggle Cheshire Cat really does play a big part in getting Britain on its bike by kick-starting the summertime cycling season in Britain. With the ‘Cav effect’ and the Olympics in 2012 all our hopes and enthusiasms for cycling have never been so high. It’s 5 months away and we’re already excited!”
Commercial Director Simon Thomson continued “Judging from the feedback from sponsors, riders and several partners associated with the event, indications are that the 2012 Wiggle Cheshire Cat is going to be bigger than ever. That’s not just an unprecedented amount of riders to look after but a massive secondary spend into the region’s commercial sector too”
Action kicks off from the event Headquarters in Crewe at 8am where all riders head due south on Gresty Road. They are expected at Mow Cop from 8:45 onwards with riders returning to Crewe from 11am to 4:30 pm depending on their speed and chosen route.
Further details and entry - www.kilotogo.com
