Event: 18 August 2013
Location: Oulton Park, Cheshire
Preview: Etape Mercia
In Cheshire today, Dame Sarah Storey took some members of the media and event sponsors on the first ever preview of the new Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Mercia route.
Sarah, expecting her first child in two months time, inspired the group on a 40km section of the new Etape route. The Etape Mercia will take place on 18 August this year and is still open to entries. Rather than take a rest during her pregnancy, Sarah has simply raised her handlebar stem to accommodate her bump and enjoyed riding along the roads that almost 2000 riders will take on closed roads at event time.
"The Etape Mercia, being the entry level part of the Etape Series, is the perfect way to inspire people to enjoy cycling and get into the sport for the first time."
Dame Sarah Storey speaks after sampling the Etape Mercia route
This brand new, third event in the Etape Series, is designed to be an entry level sportive. As the little sister of the Etape Caledonia and Etape Pennines, it takes in some stunning scenery and is perfect for all levels of rider from beginners to more experienced cyclists.
Speaking after the ride, Dame Sarah said:
“Its been fantastic. I think everyone has enjoyed the sneak peek of the Etape Mercia. We have experienced rolling roads and great scenery. Obviously after the London Games there is a focus on ‘legacy’ and the opportunity to introduce more people into sport. The Etape Mercia, being the entry level part of the Etape Series, is the perfect way to inspire people to enjoy cycling and get into the sport for the first time. Riders can come along here in August, get well looked after and its also a closed road event as well!”
Places are still available for this new event, but are selling fast. Riders wanting to enter can choose to enter at www.etapemercia.co.uk and can also opt for a free place if they pledge to raise £250 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Oliver Knights, Etape Series route manager, said: “We are, as with all our events, hosting a great, closed road cycling event on an inspiring route with as little impact to the local area as possible. The Marie Curie Cancer Etape Mercia sits alongside the Etape Caledonia and Etape Pennines making a series of three events which truly cater for all cyclists.”
