Harrogate Big Bike Bash

To celebrate the anniversary of last year’s Tour de France, and bring back that amazing festival feeling, Harrogate will host a fantastic weekend of cycle related celebrations this June.

A number of competitive and leisurely cycle events will take to the roads on both Saturday and Sunday of the weekend, with a lively events village featuring entertainment and refreshments next to the finish line on Harrogate’s famous Stray.

The focus of the festivities will be that line across the road that marked victory last year for Marcel Kittel, and disaster for Mark Cavendish: The finish line for stage one of the Tour de France 2014.
The Harrogate Big Bike Bash will take place over two days:

On Saturday a closed road circuit will be created around the town centre, for the first time ever, finishing with the same uphill sprint along Parliament Street that saw all the drama last year.

Elite teams from around the country will battle along this technical route, in what is known as a Criterion Race; short exciting action packed laps where spectators will see riders pass many times.

These multi-lap races provide thrilling spectacle and excitement as riders negotiate the technical course with its tight turns and significant climbs, culminating in the familiar sight of a furious peloton racing for the finish line on West Park, beside the Stray.

As well as these professional races the course will be open to the public to ride during the late afternoon, offering you the chance to ride around the town centre as has never been possible before.

Whether you’re a keen cyclist, out with the family or just like riding your bike, this will be your chance to ride up Parliament Street and cross the Tour de France finish line yourself.

On Sunday there will be three organised rides offering everyone the opportunity to get out on their bike, whatever their level of experience. These rides will offer a fantastic opportunity to meet others interested in cycling, including representatives from local cycling clubs and groups, get some advice on local rides, or find a club with rides at the right level for you, and most importantly get more from your bike.

For those who already cycle often the longer rides will offer a serious challenge.

The Harrogate Big Bike Bash will be an event for everyone, whether you cycle or not, we hope you will come out and join us for the fun!