Sounds like a must see event 
, but I hope they sort out the road surface for the circuit first as it could be better.
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, but I hope they sort out the road surface for the circuit first as it could be better. F1-style bike race heading to Cheltenham
Friday, December 19, 2008, 07:00
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A PRESTIGIOUS bike race which would see some of cycling's biggest names ride through Cheltenham has moved a step closer.
Cheltenham and County Cycling Club revealed last month it was hoping to launch the inaugural Cheltenham Cycling Festival next year.
Key to staging the event, which is expected to cost £60,000, was the town being selected as a stage in the pioneering Nocturne Series which sees professional cyclists compete on urban circuits in races likened to Formula One.
Governing organisation Smithfield has now said it wants to include a Cheltenham stage, but festival organisers need sponsorship from groups and businesses to make the dream a reality.
Cheltenham-based marketing agency Dair is driving the fundraising campaign along with the cycling club.
Managing director Giles Mountford said: "We've received some financial support already, but still need to find the majority of the balance by the end of January.
"With the Olympic success and Sky pumping £50m into the sport, cycling's profile is rising rapidly to become a major sport.
"The Nocturne is likely to be televised and Cheltenham would be a fantastic backdrop with its Regency architecture.
"We're already known as a festival town and cycle friendly, so combining the two in such a high-profile event makes sense and would be great for the town.
"Nocturnes are really high-octane, exciting races, really thrilling to watch."
The 2009 Nocturne Series will see a minimum of four Saturday night races held across a possible eight venues including London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Blackpool.
Pit zones, giant viewing screens and a floodlit podium finish help create the feel of F1 with crowds, pressed against railings, cheering as racers fly past.
The Cheltenham course would lead competitors down the Promenade, before calling on them to turn right on to Queen's Circus, right again to pedal back up Montpellier Street, right along St George's Road, then quickly left and up past the Municipal Offices, before turning right back on to the Promenade and racing down to the finish line of the 1.2km closed circuit.
There would be a range of different races and television right for the 2009 series are currently being negotiated.
Now in its third year, previous Nocturnes have drawn appearances from Olympic gold medal heroes Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and David Millar.
The Cheltenham race would coincide with National Bike Week 2009, which runs from June 13 to 21.
As well as the main event, the week would feature school, corporate, charity and exhibition rides, along with a host of stalls and fringe entertainment. Cheltenham Borough Council has pledged £3,500 towards the festival.
For details, call Andrea King on 01242 271970.
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