Pedal power hits the city streets ( with map)
WORLD Champion and Olympic BMX rider Shanaze Reade was today due to launch one of the biggest sporting days in Stoke-on-Trent's history.
The city is hosting the seventh leg of the Tour Series cycle race which is made up of 10 city centre sprint races around the UK.
But before tonight's main event, a series of celebrations were being held to inspire more people to take up cycling.
The Sentinel reported earlier this month how Shanaze is currently unable to compete as a result of a shoulder injury.
The 20-year-old from Crewe requires keyhole surgery after a fall in training.
She said: "This is a really exciting day and I'm looking forward to being involved. To have a whole day dedicated to cycling, ending in an international standard race is brilliant for Stoke-on-Trent.
"It'll be difficult watching and not being able to take part in some way, because of my injury. If I can help show cycling is one of the best ways to travel and stay healthy though, then just being here will be good enough."
This morning, Shanaze was due to open a new BMX track at Burnwood Primary School in Chell Heath before travelling into Hanley to watch activities in the build-up to the race itself, including a schools race, to be screened on ITV4 as part of its Tour Series coverage.
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View Stoke-on-Trent Tour Series in a larger map
Stoke-on-Trent is one of 18 towns awarded 'Cycling City' status by Cycle England last year. The award means an additional £4.8 million of funding for cycling projects will be made available up until March 2011.
New cycle routes, bike hire centres and training courses will be created.
Brian Rourke, owner of Brian Rourke Cycles in Burslem, said: "The bike trade is doing well at the moment. We haven't noticed a particular surge in sales since Stoke-on-Trent became a cycling city, but we expect that to change with the new cycling lanes."
As well as a race for young riders, today's events included a veterans' ride, with Olympic athletes from the past taking to the track, and sprinting games for children.
Professional riders were due to warm up on the circuit from 6pm, before the race itself.
Ten teams of five riders will take part from all over the UK, with Stone-based Pinarello, sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent-based digital signage firm CandiTV, hoping to get the biggest cheers in their home county.
They currently head the leaderboard.
Richard Radcliffe, from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "The Tour Series is a great event for the city.
"We want to bring as many international standard events to Stoke-on-Trent as possible."
Several roads have been closed off and traffic disruption around the centre of Hanley is expected throughout the day.
Spectators should arrive early for the best vantage points and to park away from the city centre.
Related content:
What's happening, where and when
Check back tomorrow for video and pictures of the event!
2 Comments
by Julie, Norton
Tuesday, June 16 2009, 8:54PM
“I went up to Hanley today & watched the races & had a Great day. It`s a shame more of these type of events dont take place in Hanley more often. The kids loved it too.”
by Steve Luck, Northwood
Tuesday, June 16 2009, 2:53PM
“So but i have to say who actually thought this all out - the town is virtually dead today, Most shop owners i have spoke with have complained about lack of customers, some even closing early or sending staff home. Is it yet another nail in the coffin for the Town Centre and driving customers to other towns or even Festival Park which is being allowed to thrive. In a time when shops are struggling etc perhaps this should had been thought out better.”