As the final countdown to the Staffordshire Cycling Festival unfolds, local residents and spectators are being encouraged to get their viewing place early as numbers soar ahead of this weekend’s sell-out event.
With over 700 cyclists confirmed to participate, more than twice that of 2013, the Staffordshire Cycling Festival promises to be a weekend not to be missed.
And it’s not just local riders that have been racing to sign up for the events but some of the country’s leading cycling teams too, with Rapha Condor JLT, Team Raleigh, NFTO, Madison Genesis, Velosure Giordana RT and Haribo Beacon all confirmed for Saturday’s elite men’s road race.
Notable names not to be missed on the starting line include two time Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy MBE, Yanto Barker and recent Commonwealth Games gold medallist Tom Scully.
Leading the women’s national series at 5.45pm on Saturday is Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International’s Gabriella Shaw, Team Echelon’s Nicola Juniper and Matrix Fitness Vulpine’s Jessie Walker.
500 people from Staffordshire and across the UK have registered for the public sportives including the 35 mile ride, the INTO Staffordshire Sportive and a longer 70 mile ride.
Residents wanting to join in the fun without jumping into the saddle will not be disappointed by the fantastic programme of events planned throughout the weekend.
Activities commence at 4pm on Friday August 1 with an adrenalin packed extreme mountain bike show staged by British Trials Champion, Danny Butler.
Families looking to familiarise themselves with the weekend’s cycling route are encouraged to sign up for the interactive cycling quiz, which sees the answers hidden along the course. What’s more there’s a fantastic Specialized bike worth £500 up for grabs for the winning entry.
Little ones looking to make their first steps into cycling can register for a place on the balance bike course, which is being staged on the start/finish straight outside the Swan Hotel, with devoted cycling fans offered the chance to see a live interview with Ed Clancy before he competes in the Lewis Partnership Staffordshire Grand Prix.
The first stage of the Women’s Tour of Staffordshire starts at 6.45pm followed by The Lewis Partnership Men’s Stafford Grand Prix at 8pm. Podium presentations take place at 9pm.
Activities resume at 7am on Saturday August 2with the public sportives including the INTO Staffordshire 35 mile sportive and 70 mile open sportive.
The Festival Village opens to all from midday with a host of treats in store including sweet treats courtesy of La Creperie, The Lewis Partnership Barbecue, Pro Vision Cycling Clothing and The Velo Store. The Lymestone Brewery will also be serving a free half pint of the specially-created Staffordshire Cycling Festival Ale to all riders completing the sportives.
Racing commences at 3.30pm on Saturday with the mountain bike race followed by stage 2 of Women’s Tour of Staffordshire BC National Series at 5.45pm. Later in the evening at 7pm the final race of the Staffordshire Cycling Festival unfolds with the Shugborough Kermesse.
Proving to be more than just a great social and sporting experience, the Staffordshire Cycling Festival is anticipated to contribute over £225,000 to Staffordshire’s economy, more than double that of 2013, as the event achieves nationwide recognition.
Speaking ahead of the event, Staffordshire Cycling Festival Founder and Organiser, Paul Rowlands said: “We’ve been astounded by the response to this year’s event. With the number of cycling events staged throughout the UK at an all-time high, the vast increase in number of registrations is something to be celebrated by the county and is testament to the quality of the course and rides to be enjoyed in the area.
“It’s with thanks to our partners including Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Borough Council, The Lewis Partnership, HMT, INTO and all of the local businesses that have got behind the Staffordshire Cycling Festival that we’ve been able to achieve such a fantastic programme of events. We look forward to inviting everyone to be a part of the Festival and enjoying what promised to be a great, action packed weekend.”
The Staffordshire Cycling Festival takes place this weekend on Friday August 1 and Saturday August 2. For further information on the event visit www.ridestaffs.co.uk or get a taste of the action here.
