Winchester Criterium and Cyclefest 7th year hailed a success
Hundreds of cyclists enjoyed one of Winchester’s most popular events on Sunday. More than 600 riders took part in Winchester Criterium and CycleFest which returned for its seventh year.
Riders of all ages took part in cycling related activities, racing past iconic city centre landmarks in a bid to earn Winchester Criterium winners’ titles. The best of local riders were crowned South Region Circuit Race champions.
The event was sponsored by Hargroves Cycles, South Downs National Park and Winchester Motor Company. Key partners included VC Venta and British Cycling.
A total of 319 cyclists took part in the Winchester Criterium races and 331 people took to the saddle for the family cycle ride.
The hive of Cyclefest activity ranged from the unusual - bikes that can blow bubbles, make smoothies and play music – to the traditional with vintage cycles, a bike skills loop and a bouncy castle. South Downs National Park also brought along their virtual reality head sets for people to experience a glimpse of the future.
The event came at the start of Bike Week (June 8-16) which encourages people to give cycling a try.
Cabinet Member for sport, leisure and communities Cllr Malcolm Prince, said:
“This was a fantastic event which really celebrated all things cycling and it was brilliant to see so many riders of all ages enjoy cycling through the heart of Winchester. The atmosphere was fantastic and it is a wonderful example of how cycling can bring people together, it is also a reminder that cycling is one of the most sustainable forms of transport and offers clear health benefits.”
As part of the event, primary schools took part in a cycling, sustainable travel and air quality competition. The aim was to create and produce a fun, colourful, eye-catching feather flag which were displayed throughout the Criterium route.
The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eleanor Bell, judged each flag and awarded Colden Common Primary School awarded first place, St. Peter's Catholic Primary School in second and The Westgate School in 3rd.
To find out more about Winchester Criterium visit http://www.winchestercriterium.org/ to find out more about Bike Week visit https://www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek