Revolution Events have announced that newly retired pro cyclist Dean 'Deano' Downing will be riding the Tour de Broads in August, along with thousands of others looking to enjoy the Norfolk Broads by bike.
Set at Strumpshaw Hall near Norwich, the Tour de Broads is now in its third year with the 2015 edition taking place on Sunday 23 August. Cyclists of all abilities will join the mass cycle ride which takes in the picturesque wide horizons of the Norfolk Broads.
Special guest cyclist Dean Downing will be joining the event. Since returning to the UK in 2007, Dean has won over 50 races in both road and circuit races around the world. He has been British Circuit Champion in 2002 and 2008, along with Madison Champ on the track in 2003 with his brother Russell.
Dean said he is looking forward to riding this part of the country: "I grew up racing lots of grass track events throughout Norfolk when I was younger, in places like Mildenhall and Ely, but I haven't really ridden on the roads in The Broads, so I'm really looking forward to taking in the scenery."
Dean retired from professional racing last year, ending his racing career at road racing team NFTO Pro Cycling. During his time racing Dean rode with Rapha Condor and Madison-Genesis teams. His main role now is coaching with TrainSharp with Jon Sharples and Sean Yates.
"To have someone of Dean's stature to come and join us at the Tour de Broads is fantastic news for the area," commented event organiser Luke Rumbelow. " He's rode and won lots of races around the world, and together with Barry Hoban this year's event is going to be great for everyone involved."
The Tour de Broads sportive offers two routes, a 72-mile Epic and a 40-mile Challenge ride. There are three refreshment stops along the way at the Museum of the Broads in Stalham, The Swan in Horning and the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club. For families wanting some quieter riding, a two mile circuit will be laid out for youngsters to practise on.
Riders also have the chance to ride and fundraise for Macmillan. Emily Ford, Challenge Events Manager at Macmillan said, "We are absolutely delighted to be involved with Tour de Broads this year. We have a big gap in cycling in East Anglia at the moment and we are thrilled to be able to work on such a local level with this fantastic event."
Entry to the sportive costs from £10, and as a social enterprise, all profits from the rides are used to engage, inspire and enable the local community to try cycling using Revolution Events' growing fleet of loan bikes.
For more information and to book your place, visit the event website at www.revolutionevents.bike.
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