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Get your wheels in motion On Cycling Sundays

Published 14th Sep 2012

cycling Sundays

Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit is offering fantastic cycling opportunities throughout September to build on the legacy of a summer of two-wheeled glory.

With Bradley Wiggins’ historic victory in Tour de France followed by Olympic time trial gold, cycling is enjoying a resurgence in popularity.

After an Olympic gold rush in the velodrome, fans are now glued to the track action in the Paralympics, and there’s British interest in the Vuelta a Espana and the forthcoming Tour of Britain.

And Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit is getting in on the action with the launch of Cycling Sundays later this month to help people make the most of life on two wheels.

Middlesbrough Council has teamed up with British Cycling to present three Sundays of fantastic cycling activity at the popular Circuit at Prissick Base on Marton Road.

Events kick off with a Family Cycling Day on Sunday, September 16.

Sunday September 16

There will be Sky Ride local-led rides aimed at families and beginners as well as more experienced riders, alongside inclusive rides for those with physical disabilities using specially adapted cycles. The Tees Valley Riders family cycle club will be on hand throughout the day to promote their inclusive group rides and social cycling activities.

Dr Bike will available to help repair mechanical problems and offer handy hints and tips on cycle maintenance. The service, delivered by the Middlesbrough Cycle Centre, will also give people a chance to trade in bikes for larger models – a great opportunity for youngsters who have out grown their current set of wheels.

Local Cycling clubs Stockton Wheelers and Cleveland Wheelers will be offering ‘Go Ride Tryouts’ and giving advice on membership and coaching pathways for young people.

The fabulous 360 Stunt Team will be on hand to demonstrate their BMX skills, using facilities at the Plaza and their own purpose-built set.

Sunday September 23

On Sunday, September 23 the focus moves to the competitive cross country sport of Cyclo Cross, featuring bikes specially adapted to meet the challenge of rough and muddy terrain.

It’s another great opportunity for young people and beginners to try out a new sport and gain inspiration from watching the experts in action.

The course can be ridden with a standard mountain bike, BMX or hybrid bike – so everyone can have a go at Cyclo Cross.

The September 23 Cycling Sunday event is also a great opportunity for local women to get cycling too, with the Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit hosting one of British Cycling’s Breeze in the Park events.

In celebration of an unprecedented era for women’s cycling, parks are being transformed into a bike-riding havens to encourage women to take to their bikes with friends and children and celebrate the success of our GB cycling women.

Natalie Justice, Women’s Network Manager for British Cycling, said:

“London 2012 blew us away and will forever go down in history as the Women’s Games.

“We want every single woman out there who has been inspired to bring their bike and kids along to the parks and join us for a special Breeze bike ride.”

Sunday September 30

And then it’s on to the track on Sunday, September 30, when Cycling Development North East plays host to a circuit race on the challenging one-kilometre looped cycle circuit at Prissick.

There will be races for different age groups and categories including a women’s race. Commentators will be present to make sense of the action and explain the tactics as the events unfold on the circuit.

The Sky Ride local programme will also be in operation giving the chance for led rides at differing ability levels.

The Cycling Sundays will offer some thing for everyone, regardless of age, preference or physical ability. The fun starts each Sunday at 10am and runs through into the early afternoon.

Councillor Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “The GB cyclists who are currently at the very top of their sport all started at grass roots level, so it’s vital that we make the most of cycling’s current popularity and give people of all ages the chance to get involved in a fantastic sport.

“Our Cycling Sundays could well prove to be the first pedal stroke for a host of young people from Middlesbrough on their journey to future success.

“For others it’s simply a chance to see what a great and fun activity cycling can be to get fit, to get around economically and to get out and about with your family.

“We have miles of purpose-built cycle tracks linking different parts of the town into the National Cycle Network – there’s no better time than the present to get out and start exploring this great resource.”

Further information

For further information, call the Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit on 07876 137592 or visit the Middlesbrough Council website at http://www.middlesbroughcyclecircuit.co.uk

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