Town Centre Cycling Criteriums To Bring The Original Bicycle Festival To A Close
ADRENALINE FUELLED ACTION TO CLOSE FESTIVAL
The Original Bicycle Festival, Scotland's Homecoming cycling festival, comes to a gripping and dramatic close this weekend (Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 May) as adrenaline fuelled town centre road racing hits the streets of Castle Douglas and Dumfries.
The first two events of Scottish Cycling's ScottishPower Renewables Criterium Series build upon the massive UK wide interest that is generated for cycling in Dumfries and Galloway as a result of the annual visit of the Tour of Britain, with large crowds expected to turn out to watch the action unfold.
Scotland's premier circuit races have attracted a top class field from across Scotland and the North of England with the challenging routes in Castle Douglas and Dumfries expected to test riders to the limit whilst providing a thrilling spectacle for both festival visitors and residents alike.
Jackie Davidson, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: 'The Criterium Series is a great day out for riders and spectators. With up to 100 riders battling it out around a town centre circuit, these events will be fantastic to watch. This is an exciting time for cycling in Scotland and it will be interesting to see who out of the experienced riders and emerging talent take away victory from these fast-paced races.'
The Castle Douglas Criterium programme starts at 5.30pm on Saturday evening (23 May) with a series of junior, youth and women's races building up to the Men's elite race at 8.10pm. The Dumfries circuit on Sunday (24 May) is longer, more dramatic and a lot more energy sapping. The first race starts at 2.30pm with the elite men's race starting at 5.30pm.
Providing entertainment in Dumfries on Sunday, between the competitions, will be YouTube biking sensation Danny Macaskill and The Clan cycle stunt team as they wow the crowds with their awesome displays.
Councillor Ian Carruthers, Dumfries & Galloway Council's Events Champion said, 'These exciting Criteriums will bring a new cycling spectacle to Castle Douglas and Dumfries and conclude the Original Bicycle Festival in style and colour. Come out and support the event and get inspired to get on your bike!'
Cyclists can still register for each of the events. For further information and details of how to compete visit www.scottishcycling.org.uK
Full programme available on www.originalbicyclefestival.co.uk/
Other original Bicycle Festival Events this weekend include:
Event Name: CTC Guided Cycle Rides
Date/s: 23/05/2009 - CTC 'Wheely Easy' bike ride in Dumfries
Venue Address (start): Dock Park, Dumfries An ideal opportunity to get introduced to cycling or to get started again. A great ride for families with small children on cycle paths and very quiet roads.
Date/s: 24/05/2009 - CTC Guided Cycle Ride 'Kirkpatrick MacMillan Day'
Venue Address (start): Dock Park, Dumfries Grand Finale Cycle Ride to Keir village (Macmillan's home village) and Drumlanrig Castle (40 miles return), where there will be castle tours, craft shops, eateries, entertainment, and a chance to try a replica of Macmillan's original bicycle at The Scottish Cycle Muesum. Return bike buses from Dumfries to Auldgirth and Keir to shorten the cycling - To book bus call 01387 260133 (64133).
Entry Details: www.dandgcycling.org
Contact: John Taylor, CTC Dumfries and Galloway Group, 01556 670395, johnwtaylor@care4free.net
Event Name: Clarten Owwer Caldbeck Audax Venue Address: Longtown Cumbria Event
Date/s: 23/05/2009
Event Info: An Audax is not a race, rather a personal challenge to the cyclist, in order to complete the route, arriving at pre-arranged Controls, within a specified time. Being run for the first time, in support of the Original Bicycle Festival.
Box Office / Booking / Entry Details: www.bordercitywheelers.co.uk
Contact: Ian Dixon, Border City Wheelers - 01228 792904
Event Name: Beattock Open Time Trial
Venue Address: Beattock Village Hall, Nr Moffat
Event Date/s: 23/05/2009
Event Info: A 25-mile open time trial on a new course running from Beattock to Lockerbie and back along the B7076 - the M74 service road
Entry Details: www.dumfriescc.btik.com
Contact: Gordon Johnston, Dumfries Cycling Club - 01387 263248, Gordon@reigmor.co.uk
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