The Bullards Tour de Norfolk sportive launches today. A new family focussed mass participation cycle ride, organisers hope the Tour de Norfolk will enable cyclists to cover the entire county in five years starting with the inaugural leg on Sunday 25 September.

The organisers of the Bullards Tour de Norfolk claim the new sportive is "designed for every kind of rider and organised by cyclists for cyclists." The first leg will take place at the end of the cycle tour season on Sunday September 25 and comprises four different length routes of 20, 70, 100 and a special 35-mile route. The 35-mile route was especially devised to mark the 35th anniversary of Big C, Norfolk's cancer charity who are beneficiaries of the event.

The team behind the new Tour de Norfolk sportive line up at the event launch.
The team behind the new Tour de Norfolk sportive line up at the event launch.

Starting and finishing at the Norfolk Showground in Costessey, the entire route is on-road and the choice of distances caters both for leisure cyclists or those wanting a day cycling a colour marked and designated route around the county, as well as elite cyclists.

It is also a different way to take in a picturesque tour through the countryside and historic towns and villages of South Norfolk. "Each year the route will change, so after five events you have completely toured Norfolk," said Zaradan Rumbelow, managing director of organisers Forward Moving Events, originators of the event.

There will be plenty of support vehicles and marshalls designated along all routes as well as food and drink stations.

Already businesses have signed up to back the event. Leading the field is primary supporter Bullards cask beers of Norwich; Desira motor company is providing support vehicles and photographer Julian Claxton will be on hand to capture the moment as participants cross the line.

The inaugural Tour de Norfolk takes place on 25 September 2016.
The inaugural Tour de Norfolk takes place on 25 September 2016.
 

Corporate Big C supporters Alan Boswell, who have chosen Norfolk's cancer charity as their charity of the Year and Lovewell Blake accountants, Hansells solicitors and the Jobs Fair are also on board. One of the food and drink stations will be based at Wymondham College and Active Norfolk will be providing have-a-go sporting activities at the showground.

Every finisher will be awarded a shiny medal, while for non-cycling family members waiting at the showground there will be entertainment as well as music and Feast on the Street foods to keep them occupied from when the first bikes start at 7.30am to when the last return.

"We are excited to be involved in this inaugural event. It's going to be a great day," said Big C events manager Dan Bell. "Tour de Norfolk are experienced cyclists and know what works and what doesn't. They have thought through all the amenities cyclists need - from ease of access and registration on site to post-cycling wash facilities and plenty of activities to keep non-cyclists and cyclists entertained. Big C is delighted to be involved as covering the county and its people is what this local cancer charity is all about."

The event is part of Big C's Challenge 35, an initiative to encourage fundraising in celebration of the charity's 35th anniversary and have some fun at the same time.

Thousands are expected to sign up so participants are urged to register in advance as entry on the day will be limited. The cost is calculated according to which route is chosen, but starts at £10. Each entry includes a £1 donation for Big C. Under 15s cycle for free and there is no charge for car parking on site.

Entrants cycling to fund raise for Big C will receive a free Big C T-shirt.

To sign up visit www.tourdenorfolk.co.uk. You can also keep up to date at www.facebook.com/tour-de-norfolk or join the conversation on twitter @norfolkbybike.

0 Comments