Re-live le Tour with bike bash

Cycling fever is set to return with the Big Bike Bash to be held on the weekend of June 20 and 21.

Roads will be closed on Saturday, June 20, and amateur cyclists can recreate Marcel Kittel’s victory trying out a route which finishes on the same uphill sprint on Parliament Street which caused disaster for Mark Cavendish.

Cyclists can test the route’s tight turns and climbs, before elite male and female teams from around the country compete in multi-lap races.

Harrogate Borough Council Leader, Councillor Richard Cooper said: “Last year’s Tour de France Grand Départ proved to be an immense success for the district and illustrated just how good a show we could put on for both residents and visitors.

“It is fitting that a year after the Tour de France visited our district, we should mark the occasion with the Big Bike Bash, a weekend of cycling celebration.”

An entertainment village with live music and entertainment will be set up on the Stray, near Montpellier Hill and on the Sunday morning rides have been organised for cyclists of all ability levels.

Michael Newby, director of Visit Harrogate, commented: “Last year, so many visitors told us that Harrogate’s festive atmosphere contributed to their enjoyment of the Tour de France weekend. We expect the Big Bike Bash to tempt some of those back again to experience another lively celebration of cycling.”

What do you think? Will you go to the Big Bike Bash?