In the cycle-centric latest edition of The Bedford Clanger, we featured a piece on the Womens’ Tour, which comes to Bedford on May 8th. Here’s the piece by Yo Higton of Sustrans. Just to get you in the mood for the tour, here it is again:
Bedford’s best kept secret is that it is the home of womens’ cycle racing. Each year the top female cyclists from around the UK come to Bedford to take part in a three day race, classed as one of the main events in the domestic racing calendar.
So for those in the know, it was no surprise that Bedford was selected as the finish for the second stage of the International Women’s Cycle Tour in May. This is a real privilege for Bedford and a great opportunity to show the world how great our town is. In fact the official website describes Bedford as an ‘idyllic setting’ with ‘a picturesque Embankment, a historic charter market dating back to 1166 and some of the best parks and open spaces in the country.’
The Women’s Tour is the country’s first ever international stage race for women road cyclists and will bring the world’s best riders to Bedford on Thursday 8th May. Think Tour de France, in the UK, for women and you’ll get the idea.
But you don’t have to like wearing lycra, be a woman or even ride a bike to enjoy the tour, we’re inviting every Bedfordian to come and support this event. There are plenty of things happening on the day (Thursday 8th May). Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development team will invite schools to take part in a ‘Wheels Festival’, Sustrans are organising a Cycle Market Place where you can have your bike checked, find out about adult cycle confident courses, make a free smoothie and speak to local cycle groups; and just before the international racers arrive there will be a 25 circuit race from the High Street, to The Embankment and up Mill Street for the top elite women riders from around the UK.
For details of the route, timing and further information go to Bedford Borough Council’s website and follow @SustransBedford and @bedfordtweets on twitter or like Sustrans Bedford on Facebook for up to date information.
