Cycle 2005 has received a generous sponsorship boost from Transport for London. The event caters for anyone with an interest in cycling, from the professional cyclist to the cycling commuter and even those who haven’t been near a bicycle since their childhood.

Part of TfL’s sponsorship will fund the London City Test Track, a representation of London’s streets. The track will allow visitors to the show, held at ExCel from 14 – 16 October, to trial the latest commuter bikes in a realistic setting.

TfL has also run the Cyclesafer Challenge, a competition for schoolchildren across London who were asked to design clothing and safety equipment to keep them safe while cycling. The winners of the Challenge will be announced by television broadcaster and keen cyclist Jon Snow at Cycle 2005 on Thursday 13 October (press day).

Keen to promote cycling as a means of transport, TfL is also playing a key role in supporting the London stage of the Tour of Britain – the UK’s premium cycle race that attracts elite riders from across the world. The Tour goes through London on Sunday 4th September.

Rose Ades, Head of TfL’s Cycling Centre of Excellence, said: “Events such as the Cycle Show and the Tour of Britain are a great way to let people know how much progress has been made towards making London one of the world’s top cities for cycling. Cycling in London is getting better year on year, and that is reflected in the increasing numbers of cyclists we see on our streets.

“We are keen that all Londoners have the facilities not only to be able to enjoy recreational cycling, but also to view cycling as a safe and convenient mode of transport – with this in mind, we are improving cycle lanes on roads across London and have already installed 10,000 more free cycle parking spaces.”

Cycle Show Director Mick Bennet said: “It is great to be working with such a high profile body as TfL who will help us to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling in and around the city.

“Cycle 2005 is a great place to show people what is available in the biking world and how easy it is to start cycling.”

Tickets are available from www.cycleshow.co.uk and you can also enter the Tri-UK Duathlon challenge at the same website with a prize of a £2,000 Fuji Team SL Road cycle.