British Cycling has confirmed that Paralympic, world and Commonwealth gold medallist Neil Fachie will be in attendance at HSBC UK City Ride Edinburgh this Sunday (03/09/17).
The Scot, who won gold at London 2012 and has ten world and two Commonwealth titles to his name, will start the event off as well as taking part in a variety of activities on the day, with the thousands of riders expected to descend on the streets of Edinburgh.
Taking place on the same day that the 2017 OVO Energy Tour of Britain departs the city, the HSBC UK City Ride course will allow participants to experience their city on two wheels, emulating some of the sport’s biggest names.
The course takes in a 4.5km closed road circuit through the Old Town and Southside of the city, taking in familiar landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the University of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library and the Royal Mile, and providing some great views of the city.
Neil Fachie said: “I know that the previous HSBC UK City Rides which have taken place this summer have been fantastic successes, and I’m really looking forward to the event coming to Edinburgh, particularly as it coincides with the opening stage of the Tour of Britain.
“The two events should make for a great day for cycling in the city, and hopefully will inspire thousands of people to make cycling part of their everyday lives.”
The HSBC UK City Ride programme, which has so far visited ten UK cities, including Glasgow last weekend, is the first major step in British Cycling and HSBC UK’s ambition to get two million people cycling by 2020.
Giles Morgan, HSBC’s global head of sponsorship, added: “The event will be a great way to enjoy cycling around Edinburgh without traffic, which means it could be a great day out for families, those who want to get back on their bike after allowing it to collect dust at home, or for the more experienced cyclists who want to try something a bit more relaxed.”
As well as exploring the route, the event will give young riders the opportunity to test their bike handling and pick up new skills on the HSBC UK Go-Ride course. Run by British Cycling coaches, the area will feature obstacles and challenges for all levels of rider to tackle. There will be bikes and helmets available to borrow and you will be able to find out about all of the local cycling clubs and activities for children in the area. Younger participants will also be able to dress their bikes in the Kids’ Zone, which will house face-painting, a bib personalisation station and a caricature artist.
Entrants will be able to benefit from the presence of fully-qualified technicians who will be able to advise on any mechanical issues, while other activities such as a virtual reality cycling experience, street velodrome and the Sir Chris Hoy Speed challenge – where participants can challenge Sir Chris’ Olympic gold-medal winning sprint time – will ensure a fantastic day for entrants of all ages.
The event is completely free and participants can either register their participation at www.letsride.co.uk or enter on the day.
– ENDS –
Images of Neil, the Edinburgh route map graphics, social media assets and pictures from previous HSBC UK City Rides are available here. Neil will also be available for interview this week, in the days leading up to the event and on Sunday. To book an interview, please contact:
Carly Baldwin, Communications Officer
+44 (0) 161 274 2116
+44 (0) 7920 407 754
Aaron Gales, Senior Communications Officer
+44 (0) 161 274 2116
+44 (0) 7740 408 928
Tom Turner, Communications Officer
+44 (0) 161 274 2222
+44 (0) 7702 873838
