The country’s biggest single-day bike race will return to Nottingham in May with a special event in Old Market Square to mark the launch.
The Milk Race will hit the city centre on Sunday, May 24 for the third successive year and is set to feature some of the sport’s most elite cyclists.
An event to launch the race will take place in Market Square on Friday March 27 – featuring last year’s female winner, Katie Archibald.
The cyclist, who was recently crowned a world champion, has her sights set on retaining the prestigious title.
She says: “Having heard so much about the heritage of the event as I was growing up and progressing through the cycling ranks, it was fantastic to finally get to the start line in 2014.
Then, to win in front of such a large crowd was amazing.
Archibald and representatives from Nottingham City Council and the race’s sponsors will be at the launch event.
An 8-person Pedibus bike will also be on show – riding around the city square.
Festival of Cycling
This year’s Milk Race is part of a ‘Festival of Cycling’ across the city, along with the Milk Schools Cycling Challenge, Cycle Live, and the Tour of Britain.
Nottingham is committed to achieving the status of a premier cycling city and this summer will see the development begin on an ambitious network of cycle paths as well as the opening of an outdoor race track at the Harvey Hadden leisure centre.
The city has already seen a 33% increase in cycling since 2010 as a result of route improvements and cycling training programmes.
They are hoping to enhance this figure with the recent allocation of £6.1m of funding aimed specifically at developing a modern infrastructure which can enable more people to commute on two wheels.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure at Nottingham City Council, says: “The city is really looking forward to the return of the Milk Race to Nottingham for a third year this May.
“It’s an important reflection of Nottingham as a leading cycling city with a packed calendar of free events for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
For more information on the Milk Race, visit www.themilkrace.com.
