Launching Pendle Cycle Fest 2011
We recently spent a sunny Tuesday on the hills of Pendle launching Pendle Cycle Fest 2011. Now known as the ‘Pendle Predator’, this year’s main event is set to take in some of the region’s most stunning, but challenging, terrain – and as twice as many cottages4you staff are taking part in 2011, we expect we’re going to hear how much harder it is for most of August.
National Elite Series winner, and local cyclist, Ian Wilkinson and National Cyclo-cross Champion Paul Oldham, also a local rider, were joined by our very own Nick Rudge and Brian Cookson, Executive Director of Pendle Borough Council to launch the event in the best possible way: by getting back in the saddle and exploring the route.
Nick said (presumably before attempting the course): ‘We’ve been delighted to sponsor the event for the last 4 years and have seen it get bigger and better each year. It is such a fantastic showcase for the Pendle area and really pays tribute to the stunning routes we have around us. The event gives us chance to give back to the community and encourage everybody to get out on the bike and find out how much fun cycling brings to all.’
The launch also attracted young cyclists from Cycle Sport Pendle, who were not too far behind the elite. Ian Wilkinson, who rides for Team Endura said ‘The Pendle Cycle Fest is so great for the area. Being a regular rider at Colne Grand Prix I find that you always try harder at home and then support drives you on. The crowds are always so great here. Riding for Team Endura I have team mates from all over the country and whenever they come here to race they always stick around for a while and comment on what a fantastic place it is to ride, you have national parks and stunning moors all within a 5mile radius.’
The Pendle Predator Cycle Challenge is part of Pendle Cycle Fest which also includes a free cycle show on the 7th August and the thrills and spills of street racing at the Colne Grand Prix on Wednesday 13th July.
We’re going to run plenty more coverage on the cottages4you blog in the run-up to the event. In the meantime, if you fancy signing up or finding out more please visit: www.pendlepredator.co.uk.
