Pros and pupils get on their bikes for cycling spectacular
The countdown to one of the most exciting spectator events of the year in Durham is underway. In less than two weeks the thrills and spills of competitive cycling will be back on the city's streets with the return of the Halfords Tour Series. This year, the Durham race will kick off the competitive series on the evening of Tuesday May 24 and Durham County Council is preparing for even greater crowds than the 3,000 who attended last year.
James Moss, a member of Endura Racing team joined youngsters from St Godric's RC Primary School, Newton Hall, to launch the Durham leg. St Godric's was the first to register for the children's race being staged in the city for the first time this year.
The council's head of sport and leisure Steve Howell said: "The Durham stage of last year's event, proved to be one of the toughest and most exciting races in the series and we're very much looking forward to this year's event.
"This year there's a wide variety of supporting events and activities to help celebrate cycling and the health and environmental benefits it offers and of course it gives us a fabulous opportunity to showcase County Durham as a great cycling destination."
The council's Leader, Cllr Simon Henig, said"I am absolutely delighted that we have been chosen to start the race series this year and am sure we will offer an excellent challenge and experience.
"We have special plans in place to make it as easy as possible for thousands of people to come and join in this amazing spectator event.
"There are 500 cycle rack spaces, we have park and ride services from Belmont through until 10pm and of course there will also be parking at County Hall, just a short walk from the course."
The challenging, but visually exciting ride takes in steep hills, tight turns and cobbles in what the professional cyclists, last year, described as 'purgatory'. The race starts at 7pm on May 24 with cyclists signing in and warming up in the hour beforehand. The circular route which takes in Margery Lane, Crossgate Bank, South Street and Grove Street, starts and finishes at Durham School.
The race will be broadcast on ITV4 the following night May 25 at 8pm.
In addition to the competitive professional race Durham County Council has organised a variety of fun activities taking place around the course and the city throughout the day. These include:
• A children's race - up to 10 teams of year 5/6 pupils will compete in a relay race around the course. Local primary schools in the Durham area have been invited to take part and spaces allocated on a first come first served basis. Spectators are welcome to watch. It runs 3.30pm - 4.15pm. Location - race circuit.
• An adults race - adults from a variety of recreational cycling groups have been invited to have a go at one circuit of the tough course. The cyclists are all amateurs who have been encouraged to take up cycling for both enjoyment and health benefits. Time 4.15pm - 4.45pm. Location - race circuit.
• Cycle themed Tour Village will be in Millennium Place from 10am - 3pm on the race day. As well as information about cycling and other leisure activities, there will be cycling demonstrations and displays including bikes through the ages and a stunt cycle. If you want to get your bike checked out, Halfords bike doctor will also be present.
• Children who attend Durham school which is hosting the start/finish area will be mascots and lead the teams out at the start of the main race. Time 6.50pm
Getting there:
The council expects crowds to be bigger than last year's 3,000. As a result we are encouraging people to cycle there by providing parking racks for up to 500 bikes. These will be at St Margaret's Health Centre on Crossgate. (Bikes should be secured and are left at owners risk). Belmont Park and Ride will also stay open until 10pm on the night of the race. Return journeys are £1.70 per person or parking will be available at County Hall from 5pm which is about 15 minutes walk from the course.
