Published: 30th April 2013
Article: Tweedlove
Entry: www.tweedlove.com
Calling all female cyclists – the Peebles Sprint needs YOU!
Entries are now open for the women’s event in the Peebles Sprint – a fast-paced, crit style race taking place through the streets of Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday, May 28. The short and spectacular circuit weaves through Peebles’ historic town centre, where big crowds turn out every year to cheer on the riders.
Part of the TweedLove Biking Festival, the Women’s Sprint forms part of an evening of road cycling events. Before the women’s race is the Family Ride – a chance for cyclists’ young and old to take advantage of the closed roads and enjoy a relaxed, fun ride around Peebles. These families then get to see the same route raced at warp speeds by the women’s sprint, which is followed by the men’s race.
Neil Dalgleish, Director of TweedLove, said: “The Peebles sprint is a really unique race in Scotland. It’s based on a Belgian-style Kermesse event, with lots of the community involved. The town centre is closed for the event and hundreds of spectators line the route, creating an electric, party-like atmosphere.
“TweedLove is in its fourth year now, and from day one we’ve wanted to make the festival as inclusive as possible. As well as the Women’s Sprint, we have a number of women specific events in the programme. We want as many women as possible to come and take part, so this year the sprint is completely free for women to enter.”
Local rider Lucy Grant, who placed second at last year’s event, added: “The Women’s road sprint was absolutely amazing! It felt like I was in a pro race with the huge cheering crowd and crazy atmosphere. It was a tough, fast and punchy race and it was down to the sprint finish to decide the winner. I was second and although it was a photo finish I was super happy because it was SO much fun.”
The women’s race is open to over 16s and entry is free through www.tweedlove.com
