16 Jun 2010

Devon expecting visitor influx to enjoy “year of cycling”

THOUSANDS of visitors are expected in Devon later this year to enjoy the county’s “Year of Cycling”.

Devon County Council is again working in partnership with Somerset County Council to host another two stages of the Tour of Britain in the South West this year on 14 and 15 September.

In a brand new event this year in support of The Tour, the two counties will also be hosting The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride, one of three cycling events being held around the country. The South West Tour Ride, on Sunday 5 September, offers a unique opportunity for riders of all abilities to experience Britain’s premier cycle race first hand, as well as raise funds for the Charity.

There are three different options for riders:

• ‘Pro Ride’ – For anyone aged 16 and over, there’s a chance to tackle the full 175km from Minehead to Teignmouth, which will be one of the South West stages the professionals will be racing on days later. Riders can set off between 8am and 10am.

• ‘Challenge Ride’ – For anyone aged 14 and over who would prefer to cycle a shorter distance, there is also the opportunity to cycle part of the route over a distance of 70km, starting from Honiton between 9am and 10am and heading to Teignmouth.

• ‘Family Ride’ – Riders of all abilities will also be catered for with family rides on a 15km route around Teignmouth, starting between 10am and 11am, and allowing riders to experience the excitement of the Tour.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “With the Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride and two stages of Tour, this really is an incredible Year of Cycling for Devon. To be chosen to host one of this year’s Tour Rides is a great reward for all of the hard work put in by Devon and Somerset County Councils with the Tour in recent years. The Tour Ride is an exciting prospect for people in Devon and from right across the country, to see what the professionals on the Tour will be put through on one of the South West stages. There are different distances to cater for everyone from families to keen cyclists and the aim is to help people enjoy a day’s cycling and provide a taste of the excitement of the event.”

Last year’s two South West stages of the Tour of Britain generated almost £6 million for the region, with almost a quarter of a million people turning out to see the racing. With another two stages and the additional event of the Tour Ride this September, thousands more people are expected to flock to the area.

Councillor William Mumford, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said: “The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride is more good news for our local economy, on top of the two stages we’re proud to be hosting with Somerset again this year. We are investing in making Devon a premier destination for cycling tourism, and this event is an opportunity for people to see what our beautiful county has to offer. At a slightly more leisurely pace than the pro riders, cyclists taking part will be able to sample Devon’s breathtaking scenery, and hopefully it will encourage them to return.”

Councillor David Huxtable, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “The fact that the Tour Ride offers cyclists of all abilities a chance to experience some, or even an entire South West stage of The Tour of Britain will hopefully encourage thousands of residents and tourists to take part in the mass participation event. Preparations for the 2010 South West stages of The Tour of Britain are well under away, with the full details of the routes expected to be announced at the end of this month.”

John Neate, The Prostate Cancer Charity’s Chief Executive, said: “Last year’s events proved hugely successful and we received extremely positive feedback from participants about the organisation of the day and the fact that they could take on a leg of the actual Tour of Britain for the first time. We are delighted to be hosting our first Tour Ride in the South West.

“Of course, everyone who takes part, as well as completing a personal challenge, will be helping the charity to raise awareness of prostate cancer and helping us to raise funds to fight the disease, which kills one man every hour in the UK. We are delighted to be entering into the second year of our successful partnership with The Tour of Britain. Places are limited for the event, so we are urging cyclists to ensure they are at the start line by signing up early.”

The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides cost £40 for the full stage distances, £30 for the 70km distances and £20 for a family of four to do the 20km Family Rides, in both Stoke-on-Trent and the South West. Entries close on 1 September 2010 but as places are limited and expected to fill up fast, riders are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

To take part in The Prostate Cancer Charity’s Tour Rides, visit www.tourride.co.uk