Fans will be able to tackle the closed Stafford GP circuit before the pros as part of this year’s Staffordshire Cycling Festival, taking place on Friday July 3 and Saturday July 4.
JLT-Condor’s Irish ace Felix English – is set to start next month’s Tour de Yorkshire – helped to launch the event, which also boasts a 35-mile sportive, 66-mile sportive, the Francesco Group Women’s Grand Prix and the Shugborough Kermesse.
English joined Pearl Izumi Sports Tour International rider Lauren Creamer – who won last year’s Women’s Tour of Staffordshire – and festival organiser Paul Rowlands, to officially launch the third edition of the event, which last drew 10,000 people to the Festival.
Free Ride Friday will allow the public to tackle the closed pro circuit for the Stafford GP, before the professionals take centre stage in the town centre.
The second day then moves to Shugborough Hall, where a Festival Village will be hosted alongside the two sportives – with a revamped route for the 66-mile ride, and all participants entitled to a free half-pint of Staffordshire Cycling Festival Ale.
Rowlands, said: “I’m delighted to be able to bring the event back to Staffordshire for a third time. We’ve had almost 200 sportive entries so far and anticipate hosting another talented field of professional riders.
“The response last year was fantastic. The weekend may have seen some rain but spirits certainly weren’t dampened, as over 10,000 people turned out to participate and enjoy the full line up of Festival events.”
A short-course mountain bike race is also scheduled for the Saturday, before the Women’s Grand Prix and the Shugborough Kermesse – the first event of the British Cycling Grand Prix Series – brings the weekend to a close.
More details are still to be released but for more information, or to book your place on the sportive, visit www.ridestaffs.co.uk.
