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Elite cyclists to compete in showcase event for Sky Ride Middlesborough

Event: 10th July 2011
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Elite road cyclists will compete in a showcase event at Sky Ride Middlesbrough on Sunday 10th July. Riders will be coming from some of the country's top teams to compete in front of the crowds.

They include Matt Kipling, from Team Raleigh, Tom Murray, from Sigma Sport Specialized, Richard Meadows, from Pendragon Le Col Colnago, and Velo29's own Rob Carter from Marton.  Dan Smith, from Velo 29, said: "With riders of this calibre the racing promises to be fast and furious."

The race events include a one lap time trial, a points race, a handicap race and a scratch race. All events will run in 20 minute slots.  Dan said favourite to take the spoils is sprinter Matt Kipling but added Rob Carter had recently scored a top 30 in the National Road Race Championships competing against the best professional riders in the UK.

Sky Ride Route

The route for a major traffic-free cycle ride for all the family in Middlesbrough has been revealed.  Sky Ride 2011 takes place on Sunday, 10th July and is organised by Sky, British Cycling and Middlesbrough Council.  The free festival of cycling will take place at the new Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit based at Prissick Sports Base, off Marton Road.

This year's event follows the first ever Sky Ride in Middlesbrough last year which was a massive success with thousands of cyclists taking part.  The traffic-free route of 7km will head out from Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit and take in some of the town's wonderful green spaces and attractions.  The route, which will be fully marshalled between 10am and 2pm, heads past Stewart Park along cycle tracks to Newham Grange Country Farm.

The farm will be a hub where riders will be able to safely store their bikes have picnics and get discounted entry to the farm.  The route then follows an established cycle path past eco-attraction Nature's World and Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Course and back to Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit.  At the Cycle Circuit there will be a wide range of bike-related entertainment and fun for all ages.

Some of the attractions include:

• Children will be able to take part in organised races in British Cycling's ‘Go Ride Racing'

• An exhibition of elite racing on Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit will be put on thanks to local race promoters www.velo29events.com

• The 1km Circuit will also be available for visitors to ride on

• Some of the best stunt BMX riders in the country, Team Extreme, will be at the nearby Prissick Skate Park for try outs, coaching and competitions

• A free bike skills and trails try out area will be available

• The TFM roadshow will be there

• Bike maintenance support from the Middlesbrough Cycle Centre will be available and secure cycle parking will be provided by Middlesbrough Cycle Centre

• There will be a cycling market place

The event starts at 10am and cyclists are encouraged to bring a picnic.

Middlesbrough is among a number of cities and towns across the UK, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, hosting Sky Ride events this year.  Councillor Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Public Health and Sport, said: "This year's Sky Ride route is a lovely ride for all the family and shows off how much green space we have in Middlesbrough.

"I'm really looking forward to the event and I hope it inspires people who have not been on a bike for a while to get back on and re-discover how enjoyable cycling can be."

To take part in Sky Ride Middlesbrough register for free at www.goskyride.com/Middlesbrough.