Eastbourne Cycling Festival

Paul Horta-Hopkins

Sun, sea and cycling on the seafront, June 1 2014.

Now in its 4th year the Eastbourne Cycling Festival is a grass roots event run by local riders, that is going from strength to strength.

The Festival is a one day event that is growing with every edition. Last year’s edition had over 1000 riders taking part in the various races and over 5000 visitors. With new races being added to the line-up the organisers are hoping to see even more bums on saddles!

This year the programme includes Penny Farthing and uni-cycle racing, charity MTB rides, a punchy sportive, school relay race, Watt Bike challenges and a short cyclo-cross race, as well as criterium racing on a tight seafront course. The seafront circuit will have separate races for 4th, 3rd and E/1/2. The prize presentation at 17:00 will be delivered by local hero Sean Yates, so bring your autograph book.

Will you ride the Tri-Store sportive and an afternoon race?

The festival village will have trade stands, stunt riding displays and Go-Ride skills course for children. Local brewers 360° will be on hand to offer post race refreshments, as well as supporting the cyclo-cross race, whether you try their wares before or after the ‘cross race is up to you!

The Tri Store Sportive will feature 2 courses which while short, feature some of the local climbs that will leave a sting in the legs, while providing some great views. Pace riders will be on hand to help you achieve silver medal times and local coach Dan Henchy has written a training plan for riders who register on the Eastbourne Cycling Festival website.

Racing will be fast and furious on the tight seafront course

The final race of the Eastbourne Cycling Festival is the Evolution Cycles and 360° Brewery Urban Cyclo-Cross. With a Le Mans style start and short heats leading to the final races, there should be plenty of action, with riders using part of the criterium course and whatever man made obstacles the organisers have up their sleeves. With riders welcome to use any bike they like, prizes for the fastest laps in each race and hop based encouragement from sponsors 360° Brewery it should make for a fun end to the days events.

What more could you ask from a trip to the seaside? With racing from Elites to youth, a sportive, stunt riders, school races, Watt bike challenges, TdF champions and local beer, there’s plenty for everyone. With events being spread across the day, you could ride the sportive or a crit in the morning and finish with a go on the Urban Cyclo-Cross course. With a trip to the beer tent and a seafront venue that keeps spectators close to the action, it all adds up to a day out for the family, whether they’re riding or just coming to watch.

Eastbourne Cycling Festival Website