Gearing up as bike ride returns to Leeds streets

HOT on the heels of the city's triathlon event, people in Leeds are being urged to get on their bikes once more.
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, taking part in the event.Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, taking part in the event.
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, taking part in the event.

Sky Ride will see cyclists of all ages and abilities hitting the city’s traffic-free streets and taking in the sights of some of Leeds’s most iconic landmarks.

Thousands of riders are expected to take part in the free event, which will be held on Sunday, July 17.

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Councillor James Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for sport, said: “Sky Ride is a fantastic event for people of all ages to get on their bike and experience the joy of cycling.

Matt Crampton from Sky Track Cycling, Kimberley Walsh and Ben Swift from Team Sky and Team GB and Track cycling.Matt Crampton from Sky Track Cycling, Kimberley Walsh and Ben Swift from Team Sky and Team GB and Track cycling.
Matt Crampton from Sky Track Cycling, Kimberley Walsh and Ben Swift from Team Sky and Team GB and Track cycling.

“This is the fourth year that it will be coming to Leeds and it is great to see people of all abilities build confidence on their bikes in a fun and safe city centre route, whilst having the chance to take in some of Leeds most iconic city centre buildings.”

Coun Lewis added: “Having hosted the Tour de France le Grand Départ in 2014 and featured in events such as Tour de Yorkshire and Sky Ride, Leeds is well and truly on the global cycling map.

“We are looking forward to moving forward with one of the key elements of our future cycling strategy, which will aim to provide more opportunities for people to get involved and enjoy the sport.”

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Cyclists on the 6.5km route will pass historic buildings such as the University of Leeds, the Town Hall and Leeds Civic Hall.

Matt Crampton from Sky Track Cycling, Kimberley Walsh and Ben Swift from Team Sky and Team GB and Track cycling.Matt Crampton from Sky Track Cycling, Kimberley Walsh and Ben Swift from Team Sky and Team GB and Track cycling.
Matt Crampton from Sky Track Cycling, Kimberley Walsh and Ben Swift from Team Sky and Team GB and Track cycling.

Riders will be able to challenge family and friends in the ‘Sprint Zone’ on The Headrow and watch mountain bike stunts at Woodhouse Moor.

Participants can also find out more information about the various cycling opportunities available in Leeds at ‘The Hub,’ which will be set up on Millennium Square on the day.

Road closures and bus diversions will be in place during the Sky Ride event, starting from 4am and running until 6pm.

To find out more about the Sky Ride or to get involved, visit www.goskyride.com/leedsskyride.