CYCLING fans and organisers have hailed the way Redditch played host to the opening stage of the Ovo Energy Tour Series last Thursday.
The streets were packed with town centre visitors and the cyclists didn’t disappoint with two hotly contested races won by Welsh international Megan Barker (Team Breeze) and rising star Gabz Cullaigh (Team Wiggins).
“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” said Ian Dipple from Redditch Town Centre Partnership.
“It’s the Redditch showcase and we know it’s brought visitors in from places like Solihull and Stratford, and we just need to build on this success.”
One particular highlight was the Redditch Ride It section which allowed families and ordinary cyclists to tackle the 1.4km race circuit on traffic free roads.
This year’s event was the second in a three year deal which has been backed by Worcestershire County Council, the Borough Council and many local businesses, including the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
What they said:
Kingfisher Shopping Centre deputy manager Fiona Faizey said: “Once again it’s been a fabulous event, bringing the crowds in to Redditch and showing just what the town has to offer.”
Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire’s cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure: “Brilliant racing and a great evening in Redditch,” he said.
The outgoing Leader of Redditch Borough Council Bill Hartnett: “We been treated with great weather and spectacular racing, the event has got better each year.
“I walked around the course and saw a lot of smiling faces and I sincerely hope the tour series continue in Redditch in future years.”
Redditch MP Rachel Maclean: “Congratulations to Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council for successfully hosting another Tour Series event here in our town.
“It was fantastic to see hundreds of residents lining the streets to watch world-class cyclists in action.”
Megan Barker, Women’s race winner: “I came in to the race in really good form and was targeting it. I love the circuit and right from the start we were going for it.”
Gabz Cullaigh, Men’s race winner on Unicorn Hill: “That hill makes it really difficult and although I eventually won for the last 20 minutes I felt I was just hanging on it was so tough.”
