Blackpool is an iconic holiday destination within the UK for a number of different reasons. Probably because people come to Blackpool for a number of different reasons! It is a well known British seaside resort, attracting families seeking the seaside and some active fun – without having to leave the UK.
This summer, BlackpoolÂ's famous Promenade will come alive with thousands of Â'two-wheelersÂ' when the resort celebrates its very first cycling festival. Visitors and residents will not only be able to watch some of the countryÂ's fastest elite cyclists over the course of the weekend (July 13-15), they can saddle up for themselves for a sedate Sunday morning ride along a traffic-free Promenade.
The Â"Promenade du BicycletteÂ" (on Sunday July 15 at 9:30am) is a unique occasion for families, beginners, leisure riders and couples alike to ride along the sea-front on closed roads. The 4mile route is between North Shore and South Shore (Warley Road to Starr Gate), giving cyclists a two-hour opportunity to take in icons such as the worldÂ's largest Mirrorball, the Big One, and of course the Tower, at a gentle leisurely pace.
Leisure riders will join professional cyclists for an action-packed three days of activities for all, including some of the fastest cyclists in the UK and Europe.
BlackpoolÂ's Â'Cycle FestÂ' kicks off on the Friday night (July 13) when a closed circuit race near the Imperial at North Shore, will provide a fast and exciting spectacle, where the racers need all of their bike handling skills in this highly competitive event.
One of the highlights of the weekend is a high speed international closed road race on Sunday morning. The Blackpool Grand Prix Premier Calendar Road Race will attract 100 of the quickest elite riders around a 100mile course through the borough of Fylde, before a high speed finish on the Promenade alongside the Mirrorball and the Solaris Centre.
A report by The Mole
