Event: 7 September
Ipswich will be the centre of the eastern cycling world over its cycling weekend on September 7-8. The weekend is based around three major events that cover a wider spectrum of cycling activity, from families through to world champions. The programme will be based around:
September 7:
UCS Ipswich & Coastal Giro d’Espresso sportive.
The first running of what will become a regular fixture in the UK sportive calendar. Riders will be treated to 100km on some of Suffolks most beautiful scenery and quiet country lanes. Starting and finishing on the Ipswich waterfront, this timed route will sweep out over the Suffolk lanes to the coastal towns of Aldburgh and Thorpeness. With a free espresso at the start, Mule Bar nutrition and a pint of Adnams & a Suffolk pie at the finish it’s the perfect late summer sportive. The route itself, will broadly follow the next days elite mens race.
September 8:
UCS Ipswich and Coastal Grand Prix.
Following the great success of last years Tour of Britain grand depart in Ipswich, the Grand Prix seeks to establish an annual premier event in the east, with a great route, perfectly suited to an exciting and scenic race. Top teams Rapha Condor JLT and IG Sigma Sport have already signed up to race, starting/finishing on the beautiful Ipswich waterfront. It’s a chance to see a great race, as riders hunt for form and glory ahead of this years Tour of Britain.
Sky Ride Ipswich.
As soon as the Grand Prix rolls out, Sky Ride rolls in. The streets of central Ipswich will remain closed to traffic on a 5km circular route providing a chance to bring the family and ride through Ipswich in a safe environment while the Grand Prix tears across Suffolk. Team Sky and British Cycling will have a presence at the Cornhill, where you can see Tour de France winning bikes, take on the records of the stars on a Wattbike, and learn more about British Cycling, Team Sky and their athletes. You can also grab a coffee, relax and watch stage 15 of the Vuelta Espana live. British Cycling staff and our Sky Ride Leaders/Breeze Champions will also be there to chat about cycling opportunities in the town. We’ll also have Go Ride racing for the kids at Aldeman Road, and a host of other cycling attractions. Then as the Grand Prix race closes back in on Ipswich, the Sky Ride route will close, to make way for a thrilling climax to the race.
http://www.goskyride.com/ipswich
Across the weekend, it’s a chance to ride a sportive, watch an elite race and ride the streets of Ipswich with the family. It’s a showcase for everything that’s great about cycling in Ipswich and beautiful Suffolk.
