A major cycling competition is set to return to Stevenage for the third year running, which supporters say will bring a boost to the town’s tourism and economy.
Britain’s leading male and female cyclists will once again race on one of the country’s fastest town centre circuits in Stevenage Old Town on the May bank holiday Monday as part of the OVO Energy Tour Series.
It will mark the third successive year that Stevenage has hosted the ITV4-televised event, with elite men and women’s races coming at the end of a full day of cycling events on the one-kilometre circuit.
Rory Townsend from the Canyon Eisberg team and Team OnForm’s Ione Johnson joined dignitaries from Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council, who are supporting the event, at the finish line to officially launch the event yesterday.
Councillor Richard Henry, executive member for children, young people and leisure at the borough council. said: “I’m thrilled that the OVO Energy Tour Series is coming back to the Old Town on Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday. Over the last two years, Stevenage people and visitors of all ages have been captivated by the exhilarating races and I’m looking forward to more of the same this year.”
The arrival of the tour series in the town signals the start of this year’s Stevenage Cycling Festival, which celebrates the 25 miles of cycle track and promotes the benefits of fresh air and exercise with a series of events for people of all ages and abilities.
At this year’s tour there will be many community events taking place and a chance for people to ride their own bikes around the circuit before the professionals begin racing.
Last year’s men’s race was won by Madison Genesis, whose rider Connor Swift claimed a memorable solo individual victory.
Meanwhile, Drops demonstrated their series-long dominance in the women’s event, as Rebecca Durrell and Lucy Shaw finished one-two to help them win the night’s team prize.
Further details of the Stevenage event, including the full timetable for Monday, May 28, will be published in the coming weeks.
You can find more information about the events for Stevenage Cycling Festival online on the council’s website at www.stevenage.gov.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here