Cyclists of all abilities gear up for Great Manchester Cycle

By Jim Coldwell

Cycling will again take centre stage in the city when the Great Manchester Cycle takes place in June.

The city is already a hub for sport and the event, which is set to take place on June 4, will further add to Manchester’s reputation as the UK capital of sport.

Nova, the team behind some of the UK’s most popular mass participation events including the Bupa Great Manchester Run, is organising the cycle that will take place on closed roads on Bank Holiday Monday.

The event, which is fully endorsed by British Cycling, will offer something for all abilities with three different distance rides available, 13 miles, 26 miles and 52 miles.

All the rides will incorporate sights of the city including a unique chance to cycle on the Mancunian Way, a road that is usually closed to cyclists.

Sharon Braithwaite, mother of three, said: "My husband and I are going to take part with all our kids. It's great that we can have a family day that involves being active so we are all looking forward to it."

Rebecca Romero, who is the only British woman to feature in two Olympic Games in different sports and is the current Gold medallist for the 3km individual pursuit, has given her support for the event.

Rebecca, who became World Champion in the Individual Pursuit in Manchester in 2008, said: “I am thrilled at the prospect of the Great Manchester Cycle in my favourite sporting city. It will be a real boost for the sport and I’m sure will capture the imagination of the public.”   

This Olympic year Manchester’s sporting calendar is bursting with events that will all be staged in the city including the British Gas Great Manchester Swim, the Tesco Great School Run finale and the Powerade Great City Games.

The Great Manchester Cycle, which has received the support of Manchester City Council, will add to the schedule and fuel further excitement across the region.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure, explained the 2012 Olympics will inspire everyone to become more active and the events in Manchester will provide everyone with opportunities to take part.

“The Great Manchester Cycle is a unique chance for everyone, regardless of ability, to get on their bikes and enjoy riding through the city on roads free of traffic,” he said.

“The Great Manchester Cycle has categories designed for cyclists of all abilities so there’s no reason not to hop on your bike and enjoy the city from a different perspective.”

Entries for the Great Manchester Cycle are now open, costing £28, and operate on a first come, first served basis.

Entry fee includes accurate chip timing, a Great Manchester Cycle T-shirt, medal and finishers pack with a feed station also on course to keep you hydrated and your energy levels topped up

For more information visit: www.greatcycle.org