Harrogate Big Bike Bash 2015 report
22nd June 2015
Harrogate Big Bike Bash on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June 2015 was a success, attracting big crowds. The lively event village on West Park Stray featured food and drink (in particular a Daleside Brewery tent), a main stage with DJs and live music, and a bike stunt show. Large numbers of local people participated in Ride the Route on the closed town centre roads, then racers took over for Criterium races - a support race, and an elite race.
This video shows highlights of the stunt show, Ride the Route, and the elite Criterium race:
Event village
The event village proved popular. The bike stunt display drew in many spectators, and the Daleside Brewery tent and other food and drink outlets appeared to do a good trade. There were also charity stands, including Kevin Smith's charity pedal for Macmillan cancer support.
Ride the Route
Lots of Harrogate residents came out to take on the Criterium course on closed roads in the town centre, in Ride the Route. There was a family ride, then a ride for more experienced cyclists at a faster pace.
Criterium races
Two Criterium races took place in the evening - a support race, then the elite race, which featured Adam Blythe (winner of last year's Ride London professional race). There were only a few racers, and the organisers will be hoping to attract more competitors next year. Chris Opie was the winner of the main race, commentated on by Rob Hayles. See the results on velouk.
Chris Opie tweeted that he liked the circuit:
What a great circuit at @HarrogateBBBash ! Fast corners, a climb. Loved it. Even better to take the win for @ONEProCycling #HarrogateBBBash
— Chris Opie (@SpeedyOpie) June 20, 2015