Pedal power at charity cycle

Market Harborough celebrated its second annual cycling event with record numbers putting on their cycle clips and taking to their saddles.
Festival of Cycling- Market HarboroughFestival of Cycling- Market Harborough
Festival of Cycling- Market Harborough

The Festival of Cycling event raised more than £1,200 for charity AdamSmile with nearly 300 cyclists in action, a record turnout with 50 participants than in 2015.

Riders completed routes of varying distances around the highways and byways of the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire countryside.

The event comprising 100k and 50k routes as well as a children’s cycling event attracted riders of all ages and standards.

Starting on the grounds of Robert Smyth Academy, the 100k was designed for more experienced cyclists whilst the 50k was for cyclists keen to try out a ‘sportive’ event for themselves.

Kate Mugridge from the AdamSmile charity said: “It was great to be part of it and see so many turn out and enjoy themselves, and raise so much for our charity.

“We continue to work hard behind the scenes to ensure that our project comes to fruition and hope to have more details on progress very soon.”

Members of the community came out in full force with a number of businesses offering food stations.

Free massages were provided courtesy of the Training Shed, and the event’s sponsor, Alden Electrical, promoted the event to the cycling community.

‘Go-Ride’ coaching activities were introduced to teach young people cycling skills and disciplines and were delivered by Welland Valley Whizz Kids. Free coaching sessions were also provided for children aged between four and 12.

Race Harborough’s Amy Kingston added: “We are really thrilled with how the day went – apart from a few punctures everything ran smoothly.

“We’d really like to thank the marshals, crowds and sponsors that helped to make it such a good day.

“The growth of the event is brilliant; we received positive feedback from participants of all abilities and ages – so much so that we’re already planning what to do for our third year.”

Their next event will be the return of the Carnival of Running on Saturday, June 11.