The opening weekend of the Go-Ride Games has seen hundreds of youngsters take to their bikes and join in the fun of cycling with packed out events taking place throughout the country.
The opening days of the nationwide series have captured the public's imagination with huge attendances, being backed up by the cameras of local and national media, who have taken note of this summer's upsurge of interest of cycling.
A film crew from Sky Sports News attended North Cheshire Clarion’s Go-Ride Games event in order to produce a great report which can be seen below, while local and national press have also featured club events taking place as part of the Go-Ride Games initiative.
The Go-Ride Games, which are being backed by Olympic medallists Ed Clancy and Lizzie Armitstead, are continuing to take place throughout the week and over the upcoming weekend with over 120 taking place in total.
Over 75 youngsters turned out at just one event in the North West, as Mid Lancs BMX club enjoyed an incredible turn out for a combination of practical coaching and explosive racing.
Similarly, there were over 30 new participants at events in Swindon, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Lincolnshire, Bolton, Wrexham and Essex.
With such a widespread programme of free or low cost events, Lizzie is confident that the Go-Ride Games can inspire the next generation of riders, just as the prospect of the London Olympics inspired her as a teenager.
“I started riding when I was 16 because it had been announced that we were going to be having the Olympic Games in London and British Cycling launched a programme to find young talent,” Lizzie said.
“Now, with London having been so successful, I hope everyone is as excited as we are and that the Go-Ride Games can inspire the next generation of star riders.”
To date, each Go-Ride Games event has been unique as British Cycling has tasked individual clubs with organising their own activities. All of the events will have a focus on Olympic style competition and coaching activities.
To illustrate this, we have a collection of images from activities organised in Liverpool, the Forest of Dean, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sheffield and Holmfirth.
To find out more about the Go-Ride Games and to find out about local events taking place across England, Scotland and Wales, visit the Go-Ride Games Homepage
