Stonehenge
Cycle Wiltshire, the county’s premium cycling event takes place on May Bank Holiday (3-4 May) and offers riding events and entertainment for families and enthusiasts, as well as the opportunity to watch elite competitors race through the streets of Wilton. Cycle Wiltshire is managed by a team of experts who have worked with the UK’s top athletes, celebrities and sporting events. Cycle Wiltshire is part of Wiltshire Council’s A Legacy for Wiltshire and is a unique opportunity for people to take to the road on their bikes and experience the thrill of top-class cycling in their local community.
Wiltshire-based former GB cyclist Andy Cook is co-managing the event. He has worked closely with Davina McCall and John Bishop on their Sport Relief challenges, designing and risk-assessing the cycling routes to ensure they were both safe and scenic.
Andy says: “We work with everyone from school children to top professional athletes and every cyclist wants the same thing; an enjoyable ride in the countryside that’s safe and memorable. We get a real boost from helping people get on their bikes and ensure they have a good time. That’s why we’re pleased to help create Cycle Wiltshire – it’s a real opportunity for everyone to get out and enjoy the fantastic county we live in.”
Locally based two-time Olympian Simon Lillistone is also co-managing Cycle Wiltshire. He was the Cycling Manager for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games, organising, as he says, “everything on two wheels for the Games”. Simon has helped preparations for this year’s Tour de France, securing the £10 million funding to bring the race to England. Simon has also designed and developed the Stage 3 route from Cambridge to the M25 and provides expertise to the international racing authority Union Cycliste International.
Founder of Cyclevox, Anthony McCrossan has produced and placed cycling programmes on Sky, Eurosport, ITV4 and Channel 4. Anthony is recognised as one of the top cycling commentators, having spoken at the Giro d’Italia, Milan San Remo, Tour of Bejing and the London 2012 Olympics. Anthony is broadcasting the Cycle Wiltshire Grand Prix live on Eurosport.
The Cycle Wiltshire sportive events take place on Saturday 3 May and give people of all abilities the chance to take part in a picturesque ride through Salisbury and the surrounding area. Riders will have the choice of three distances: 20 miles for beginners and 64 miles or 100 miles for enthusiasts looking for a challenge.
In addition, at the Cycle Village at Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury, youngsters and families can enjoy riding opportunities and activities including exhibition stalls, great food and entertainment from 8.30am on the Saturday.
On the Sunday, the Cycle Wiltshire Grand Prix sees around 100 of the best riders in Britain racing around the streets of Wilton from 11am. Spectators can line the streets to watch the action for free and see their favourite teams including UCI Continental teams Rapha Condor JLT, NFTO, Team Raleigh, Madison – Genesis RT and Velosure – Giordana, as well as British Cycling Elite National Teams Starley Primal Pro Cycling, Catford CC Equipe / Banks, Haribo Beacon and Wheelbase Altura MGD.
For more information on both days of the event and to sign up to the rides visit www.cyclewiltshire.com.
