Inspirational riders named to lead out cycle ride ahead of Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International

Four local people who have used cycling to overcome personal set-backs or inspire others to ride are to lead out a parade cycle ride ahead of the Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International.

For the first time, the Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International will take place alongside the UCI Road World Championships and will see world-class para-athletes leave start points in Beverley, Tadcaster and Wetherby.

The race will take place on Saturday, 21 September and before the actual race Darren Smith, Bethany Playforth, Sarah Robinson and Julie Turner will lead a number of cycle charities and groups as well as members of the public from Saturday Market to one of two stop-off points on the Westwood to cheer on the para-athletes as they leave Beverley.

Following the four inspirational riders will be representatives from:

Breeze champions – women ride leaders who give up time voluntarily to inspire women to cycle
Guided Rides – ride leaders who inspire all to cycle
Millers Day Centre – a council-run service for adults with learning and physical disabilities
Mires Beck – a registered charity providing opportunities for people who have a learning difficulty or disability to get involved in a working horticultural nursery
R-evolution – a charity that aims to improve the skills of disadvantaged people in the local community through accredited training
Sight Support – providing opportunities for people who are either blind or partially sighted to ride on a tandem bike with a pilot
Women on Wheels – local women’s cycling group.

Members of the public of all ages and abilities can also take part in the parade cycle ride which will leave from Saturday Market at 11am and ride part of the actual race route before stopping on the Westwood at either the junction with Newbald Road or at the racecourse.

The event is free but registration is required and can be done by going to www.parabikefest.co.uk

Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, 18 September but people can register to take part on the actual day (Saturday, 21 September).

The main race will start at noon and para-athletes, including Beverley-born Adam Duggleby MBE, who is tandem pilot for partially-sighted Steve Bate MBE, will leave Saturday Market and race through Bishop Burton, Market Weighton, Holme on Spalding Moor, Foggathorpe and Bubwith to the finish at Harrogate.

Former GB Paralympic wheelchair rugby captain and BBC Countryfile presenter Steve Brown will also be in Beverley and meeting those taking part in the parade cycle ride as well as starting both races.

Later in the day, Steve will be talking about his own inspiring journey of injury and recovery following an accident in 2005 which left him paralysed from the chest down.

There will also be a whole host of activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy from stunt bike displays, the chance to try out some crazy and weird bikes as well as having a go on a pump track.

Viking FM breakfast presenters Alex and Ellie will be on stage and a number of live music acts – Rachel Makena and The Ordinary Men will be performing throughout the day.

Councillor Richard Burton, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “The Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International is not only giving us the opportunity to celebrate the achievement of these world-class athletes but also to recognise those inspirational people within our own community who have had the determination and strength to overcome their own personal obstacles.”

* Please note – there will be no Saturday Market taking place on the day of the race (Saturday, 21 September) but the market will return as normal the following week.

* For information on road closures ahead of the race go to www.eastriding.gov.uk/paracycling

* For more information about the Yorkshire 2019 Para-Cycling International and the UCI Road World Championships go to www.worlds.yorkshire.com or www.eastriding.gov.uk/paracycling