Aylsham: Tour Series Cycling Takes Over Town

13 June 2013, 06:00

The streets of Aylsham are being taken over by some of the fastest cyclist in the country.

There's activities going on all afternoon but from early evening onwards the UK's leading cyclists will battle it out around a circuit of Aylsham’s streets.

Starting with the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series (female riders, at 5.30pm) and followed by the Pearl Izumi Tour Series (male riders, at 7.30pm), cyclists will race along Norwich Road, Red Lion Street, through the Market Place, then onto Penfold Street, down Cawston Road, along Mill Road and Palmers Lane, before completing a lap back on Norwich Road.

See a map of the route: MAP

Tour Series riders are expected to complete around 35 to 40 laps around the town, before podium presentations take place at 9pm.

The professional cyclists aren’t the only ones who will get to race the course though, as races involving various groups from the local area will take place throughout the afternoon.

At 1pm a regional schools championship takes place, before Broadland’s interschools team sprint at 2.30pm.
Adult amateur cyclists will race at 3pm, before (for a donation) there is a chance for members of the public to ride around the circuit at 3.30pm.
At 4pm it will then be the turn of local businesses and organisations to compete in the Corporate Challenge.
Finally, before the professional cyclists take to the track to race, the professional riders will warm up for an hour between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

A host of other bike related activities will be on offer in the Market Place throughout the afternoon (from 1.30pm to 6pm), including Roller Racing, a portable mountain bike track, balance bikes, and a smoothie bike – where you can pedal your way to a delicious smoothie.

Hungate Street will play host to a local market from lunch time onwards, whilst at 10am (until noon) Keys Auctioneers will be hosting a wine auction.
Taking place just twice a year, the auction will include up to 400 lots of fine wine, ports and spirits.

In order to allow the day’s activities to safely take place, roads will be closed in the town.

Parking in the Market Place will be unavailable from 8pm on the evening of Wednesday June 12, with the whole of the race route closed to traffic from 7am to midnight on Thursday June 13. Diversion route signs will be in place.

Residents heading to watch the race are asked to think about walking, cycling or taking public transport, where possible.
If driving is the only option available then residents are asked to consider car sharing with friends and family.

Free parking will be available on Thursday at Burgh Road car-boot field, Woodgate Nursery on Cawston Road, whilst a park and ride service will operate from Blickling Hall. Designated disabled parking is available at Burgh Road car park. A designated camping area is also available, please call 01603 430441 to book.

It's thought a lot of people will cycle into the town, so extra cycle parking has been put on at Burgh Road car park and Budgeons car park.

Bus stops through the route will be suspended but buses will still serve passengers via temporary stops on Gas House Hill, at the junction of Sir Williams Lane.

Margaret Wilkinson, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet member for Communities, said:

"The County Council invests in events such as this as they not only bring enjoyment to Norfolk residents, but they also attract people out into communities and encourage visitors to come to the county – bringing a boost to local businesses.

"Like the Tour of Britain has over recent years I am sure that the Tour Series will also draw the crowds and in addition to the male and female professional races there will be a huge amount of community activities on offer for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout Thursday afternoon and evening.”