Expect a 19th century twist to a modern competition.
Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge is to be the venue for an exciting new urban cyclo-cross event on Saturday evening, 31st August staged by the organisers of Newport’s famous Nocturne cycle race. The challenging off-road cycle races at the event, which will be called the Queen Victoria Cyclo-Cross, are expected to attract top cyclists from around the country.
Cyclo-cross is one of the fastest growing types of cycle sport with urban events becoming particularly popular in the last couple of years, especially since they offer opportunities for all ages to compete at the same race meeting.
The Victorian Town will present an unusual and formidable set of challenges to the cyclists with the Hay Inclined Plane foremost amongst them. This relic of Britain’s industrial age once lowered seven ton tub boats full with iron and coal down the steep side of the Ironbridge Gorge for transport by river. Between watching the races, spectators will be able to explore the Victorian streets of the popular tourist attraction.
Expecting the event to be very popular, promoter Nick Jeggo said; “Blists Hill is a fantastic location for a cyclo-cross race, there’s already been a massive amount of interest”.
Special event categories have been devised for different age groups, all with a Victorian theme. There will be races for ‘Tykes and Urchins’, ‘Vagabonds and Chimney Sweeps’ and finally ‘Convicts, Hooligans, Unchaperoned Women and Gentlemen’. Mr Jeggo added, “We really want there to be a fun aspect to the evening. We are working on a few other ideas, which we think will lend themselves to the occasion.”
The event will start at 6pm; spectators are welcome for a fee of £3 per adult, while children under 16 will be free of charge and must be accompanied by an adult. Ironbridge Gorge Museum Passports are not valid for this evening.
For more details visit www.queenviccx.moonfruit.com or ring Nick Jeggo on 07967 452688. Further information about Blists Hill can be found on www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).