A unique cycling event is coming to Blists Hill Victorian Town for the fourth time on the evening of Saturday, 9thJuly. The exciting Queen Victoria Cyclo-Cross event will see over 300 of the UK’s top riders speeding through the recreated Victorian streets on modern bikes.
For the event, Blists Hill has teamed up with the organisers of Newport’s famous Nocturne cycle race. The technical course contains some formidable challenges for the riders, not least the fearsome climb up the Hay Inclined Plane. There are also steep descents, chicanes and single track sections, which weave around the historic buildings. The inaugural event in 2013 was described by Cycling Weekly magazine as “Britain’s craziest bike race!”
Cyclo-cross is one of the fastest growing disciplines of cycle sport with urban and summer events leading the way. Although mountain bikes can be used in the event, most competitors will be on specialist ‘cross bikes’, which are faster and a blend of a racing bike and a mountain bike. Between watching the races, spectators will be able to wander around the historic streets and view the industrial monuments and land marks of the 52-acre site, set in the beautiful Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
There is an also an opportunity for tots to take part in a balance bike race.
Gates open at 5.15pm and the first race will start at 6pm with the event finishing at approximately 9.30pm; spectators are welcome for just £3, payable at the gate; children under 16 will be free of charge and must be accompanied by an adult. Ironbridge Gorge Museum Passports are not valid for this evening and dogs will not be allowed.
For more details visit www.newportshropshirecc.org.uk/queenviccx, further information about Blists Hill can be found on www.ironbridge.org.uk or call the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).
