Following last year’s success, the Andover Cycling Festival returns to the town centre on Sunday 7th July for a second year, including a full programme of cycling events.
The Festival offers even more opportunities for participants to take part this year with everyone welcome to join this interactive and fun day out.
Featuring a schools and family fun ride with free entry for under 16’s, three sportive rides; criterium cycle racing; a BMX Display and an interactive cycle village; it promises to be a great day out for all ages. Whether you’re a cyclist or not, there is something for everyone.
The Schools Ride will feature pupils from schools in Andover and the surrounding area. The Family Ride will include all families and friends wanting to cycle together. All finishers will receive a medal sponsored by Stannah Lifts – start is at 11.30am and finish by 1.00pm on a barriered circuit in the town centre.
The three sportive rides start and finish in the town centre, next to the Guildhall, taking in breathtaking scenery en-route. The routes are 25, 50 or 80 miles and will be fully signed with refreshment stops along the way. Start from 8.00am – 9.00am.
The picturesque rides take cyclists north of Andover, around the Hungerford and Uffington White Horse region, areas of historic interest and outstanding natural beauty, with little traffic and fresh, countryside air. They are ideal preparation for the Ride 100 cycle event taking place in London at the end of July.
An exciting plus this year is the fast moving, town centre criterium cycle racing, coming to Andover for the first time in over 40 years. The programme consists of five different races throughout the day, for juniors, women and men. Come and experience the atmosphere of cycle racing at close hand and enjoy an inspirational and free spectacle in the town centre.
The schools and family fun ride and the criterium racing take place on a closed and barriered route in the town centre, this ensures everyone’s safety and the maximum chance to view the races.
Andover BMX Club is planning on putting on a BMX display in the centre too.
The event is supported by Simplyhealth, Andover Vision, Hampshire County Council, Bulpitt Print Ltd, Stannah, Halo Sports and the Co-op. With a live radio show being broadcast by local radio station 95.9FM Andover Radio at the start/finish line this promises to be a brilliant day out – come along and get the buzz.
Share the happiness through our supported Charities, Diabetes UK and Help in Action. Arthritis UK – helping to invest in breakthrough treatments and vital support for everyone affected. Help in Action -bringing education and cycling to the children in the Himalayan region, discover how you can participate and make friends in the far flung Himalayas.
The event village will have information stands about all cycling activities in and around Andover, including local cycling clubs and cycle businesses, Andover cycle network information and maps – everything you need to enjoy cycling.
Harry Lodge, Managing Director of Halo Sports and former Olympic Games and Professional cyclist says,
“We hope to increase the popularity of cycling in Andover, encourage families into activity through cycling and attract more visitors to Andover Town Centre through fantastic cycle racing and the schools and family ride.”
Entry for the Family Rides are free for Under 16’s, Under 18’s will need permission to ride and parental/guardian consent forms are available online.
Halo Sports & Halo Himalaya focus on enhancing mental, emotional and physical well being through cycling and awareness projects created to realise potential and happiness. Their charity Help In Action provides education in the Himalayan Region.
Bambos Neophytou, Brand Director at Andover-based sponsor Simply Health says, “At Simplyhealth, we’re passionate about encouraging families to be more active together and enjoy shared activities.
“Not only a great way to spend time together, it’s a great way to lead happier, healthier lives, while reducing the risk of developing health issues including Type 2 Diabetes.
“That’s why we’ve chosen Diabetes UK as a charitable partner for 2019. Our partnership allows us to continue supporting people with their health, encouraging as many people as possible to become more active on a regular basis for better physical and mental wellbeing. So whatever activity you choose to do, get out there and get active together as a family!”
For full details of the event go to www.andovercyclingfestival.co.uk
