Warwickshire News Mine

The first prizewinner was Tony Goldsby, a local Warwick businessman, who is now the proud owner of a Merida Racing bike (courtesy of Hinkley Cycle Centre).

He is delighted with this as this month he is competing in the Warwick Triathlon and says the bike is perfect for this purpose.

Meanwhile Andy Smith from Lillington won the Gold Pass for Warwick District Council Leisure Centres and Helen Hill won the four adult day passes to Warwick Castle.  She said she’s never been there before so was excited by the prospect of having a free day out.

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “We had yet another record year with Warwick Cycle Races and I’m sure that the amount of support we had from various organisations in the way of prizes and sponsorship played a big part in this.

“As well as the prize donors already mentioned, I’d like to thank the race sponsors the University of Warwick; Chiltern Railways; South Wigston and Hinckley Cycle Centre; Massey Ferguson and TravelWise.

“Plus thank all those who had a stand at the event on the day: Action 21; TravelWise; NHS Warwickshire (where members of public could blend their own fruit juice using pedal power on the blender vendor); Hinckley Cycle Centre; Go Ride, who provided slalom course for children to try out; and High 5 who provided energy drinks and snack bars for the riders.

“Without all this support the event would not be the growing success it is.”

Warwick Cycle Race took place on Sunday, September 14, attracting some of the world’s best cyclists to Warwick town centre for the closed road circuit.

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

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

Richard Hicks, General Manager of Action 21, said: “I’m delighted that so many people were in Warwick to enjoy the races this year. We’re all about promoting cycling, including cycle commuting and everyday cycling, not just cycle sport, and I’m sure that message got out loud and clear. The races 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 provided a free ‘Dr Bike’ service for members of the public during the race afternoon.

The races were once again this year 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.

All the action from the weekend’s event can be found at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycleraces or for more information on Action 21 see http://www.action21.co.uk

Link to WCC