Cycle Wiltshire – Elite Road Racing and three sportive distances launched for May 2014
Cycling for families, enthusiasts and elite competitors is returning to Wiltshire on May Bank Holiday
The events, which last took place in 2011 under the Wilton Grand Prix name, have been rebranded as Cycle Wiltshire and take place during 3-4 May 2014. Watch the trailer to see the Cycle Wiltshire programme.
Cycle Wiltshire is part of Wiltshire Council’s A Legacy for Wiltshire partnership and is a unique opportunity for people to take to the road on their bikes, as well as experience the excitement and thrill of top-class cycling in their local community.
The Cycle Wiltshire Sportive events are held on Saturday May 3 and gives people of all cycling abilities the chance to take part in a picturesque ride through Salisbury and the surrounding area. Riders will have a choice of three distances to ride: 20 miles for the beginners and 64 miles or 100 miles for enthusiasts and those looking for an extra challenge.
Youngsters and their families keen not to miss out can enjoy riding opportunities and activities. The event starts at Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury from 8:30am.
There will also be displays and exhibition stands as well as entertainment for all the family to enjoy at the Sportive Village at the leisure centre.
On Sunday May 4 the Cycle Wiltshire Grand Prix will take place. This elite cycle race, part of the British Cycling National Road Race series, will see 100 elite riders from top professional teams taking part. Local people can line the route to support some of the best riders in Britain as they compete. The race starts at 11am and will finish on its tenth passage through Wilton at 3pm.
Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council said: “This event will be a fantastic occasion for Wiltshire and will create a really special atmosphere on this bank holiday weekend. I hope people, young and old, from beginners to cycling enthusiasts, will take part in the Sportive and also support the elite cyclists as they race through our beautiful and scenic county.”
“Our legacy partnership is all about invigorating the local economy, bringing communities together and getting more people active and this event will do just that. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
John Herety, Team Manager for Rapha Condor JLT:
“Rapha Condor JLT are looking forward to racing again on the roads around Wilton. The first race in 2011 was an exciting one, the course is testing but also ensures a great race. The looping through the town each time brings our sport to the hearts of both existing and new fans and that is what cycling is all about.”
Becky Frewing, Team Manager for NFTO Pro Cycling:
“NFTO Pro Cycling are excited about the return of racing in Wiltshire. Our riders have been training hard all winter and by May we will be racing hard against all the top UK professional teams. This race has something for everyone, a great climb that fans can watch the race from and roads that make for good attacking racing. We will be bringing our top riders to the race and hope for a good result.”
Roger Hammond – Team Manager – Madison Genesis:
“Madison Genesis are looking forward to visiting Wiltshire and racing on the roads around Wilton. We know the hill on the course is tough and that the roads make for great racing. Our team like to race in new venues and expand our following with our fans, so this new event for 2014 is a great addition to the elite level calendar.”
The event is promoted by the companies of former Olympian Simon Lillistone and Andy Cook with Anthony McCrossan working on the media aspects of the event.
For more information on both days of the event and to sign up people should visit: www.cyclewiltshire.com
People can also get regular updates through social media:
Twitter by following @CycleWiltshire at www.twitter.com/cyclewiltshire
Facebook by liking www.facebook.com/cyclewiltshire
Simon Lillistone: Director of Fortitude Sports Consulting who most recently held the position of Cycling Manager for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, responsible for the delivery of all the cycling events in the Games. Simon is currently engaged by UK Sport and DCMS on preparations for the Tour de France in 2014 and provides consultancy support to the Union Cycliste International.
Andy Cook: Director of Andy Cook Cycling Ltd. Organiser of the original Twinings Pro Am event held in 2011 on behalf of British Cycling. Based in Wiltshire, ACC have organized many National, regional and local cycling events and continue to advise and consult for a number of major corporates keen to run their own cycling activities.
Anthony McCrossan: Founder of Cyclevox, the leading cycling media and PR company in the UK. In the last 5 years, Cyclevox have produced and placed cycling TV programmes on Sky, Eurosport, ITV4 and Channel 4. Anthony is a recognised cycling commentator as speaker of the Giro d’Italia, Milan San Remo, Tour of Beijing and the London 2012 Olympics.
