Warwickshire News Mine

This year has seen a record number of cyclists pre-enter the event, with more than 100 cyclists already committed to taking part in Sunday’s packed racing agenda.

And the racing action will be accompanied by an array of activities in the town centre, getting underway at about midday and continuing through until about 6pm.

One of the riders to have pre-entered this year is George Atkins, aged just 17, who is competing in the Elite Race for the Pearl Izumi – Planet X – High5 Team.

George is on the Olympic Development Plan and in 2007 he won the European Olympic Criterium Race held in Serbia.

The event is being organised by Warwickshire County Council in partnership with British Cycling, Warwick District Council and TravelWise.

And this year Warwick Cycle Races is also being supported by Warwickshire not-for-profit organisation Action 21.

Richard Hicks, General Manager of Action 21, said: “Our involvement in the cycle races gives us a great opportunity to do much more to promote cycling, including cycle commuting and everyday cycling, not just cycle sport. We are sure that the races will help to demonstrate just how much fun cycling can be.”

Action 21 runs the Recycle Warehouse at Princes Drive recycling centre, and as part of their work here they promote the environment and cycling through the sale of second-hand bikes. All the bikes are checked and repaired for resale.

As part of their support for the cycle races Action 21 will be providing a free ‘Dr Bike’ service for members of the public during the race afternoon.

The races are also once again this year being supported by the National TravelWise Association, of which Warwickshire County Council is a member. This is a network, including local authorities, health, academic bodies and passenger transport executives working together to promote healthy and sustainable transport.

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “Last year’s event was a huge success, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this year progresses things further.

“Cycling is a great leisure pursuit, way to commute, and way to keep healthy. This event is a wonderful showcase of some of the best cycling talent out there.”

The popularity of the cycle races has also seen several sponsors come forward to support the race including Massey Ferguson, Hinckley Cycle Centre, Chiltern Railways, and the University of Warwick.

Entries are also flooding in from people keen to win one of a number of prizes as part of this year’s event, and those heading along on Sunday will have the chance to enter the competition with prizes including a racing bike. The draw will take place at the end of the day’s racing on Sunday.

To stay up to date with the latest developments, and for a photo gallery of last year’s event visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycleraces or for more information on Action 21 see http://www.action21.co.uk

Link to WCC