THE MILK RACE 2014

Simon Whiten

The Milk Race 2014 was launched recently

When I were a lad the Milk Race was a week long event for amateur riders of considerable prestige, with teams coming from across the world to compete, and I remember it well as once my whole class got a day off school to go and cheer it on…

Well it’s back and the Milk Race 2014 was officially launched in Nottingham city centre by World and European cycling champion, Katie Archibald and Olympic gold medalist, Ed Clancy, who took to Nottingham’s Old Market Square for a one-off spin master class led by none other than ex-pro, Malcolm Elliott, a former Milk Race champion himself and former track world champion, Tony Doyle MBE, who is the race director, on bikes donated by H2 Fitness, with cycling enthusiasts from across the city and Robin Hood…

Both Katie of the Madison Boot Out Breast Cancer, and Ed of Rapha Condor JLT team, are confirmed to ride this year’s Milk Race on 25th May as the event returns to Nottingham after a hugely successful day in 2013, attended by 60,000 people, the first Milk Race for 20 years.
 
On launching the 2014 Milk Race, Katie said: “Being part of the launch has been so much fun! It’s been great to see how excited people are for this year’s event after the success of last year. Off the back of my success at this year’s World Championships, The Milk Race will be a new challenge for me, but it’s one that I’m ready to take on.”
 
Ed Clancy, who finished third in last year’s men’s Milk Race, added: “Last year’s Milk Race was an amazing experience to be part of. It’s got such a legendary status in the world of cycling so there were high expectations, but it easily surpassed them. It was a great occasion and I’m sure 2014 will be even better.”
 
Dairy Council chairman Sandy Wilkie said: “It’s fantastic to see outstanding athletes such as Katie and Ed signing up to be part of The Milk Race in 2014. I know that both of them are not just incredible cycling talents, but they’re also big lovers of the ‘white stuff’, so are perfect ambassadors for this iconic event. The Dairy Council and the Milk Marketing Forum are both delighted that the association between milk and sport continues to grow.”
 
Councillor David Trimble, of Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re so pleased with the amazing reaction The Milk Race has received on the announcement of its return to Nottingham. Everyone in the city is already getting very excited for 25 May – we’re looking forward to an even bigger, better Milk Race than last year.”

 
Further information about the 2014 Milk Race can be found at www.themilkrace.com.
 
About The Milk Race
 
· Between 1958 and 1993, The Milk Race was the most prestigious cycling event in the British calendar, and the (now disbanded) Milk Marketing Board’s sponsorship remains the longest association that the sport has ever had.
 
· The multistage race of old was conducted over a number of day races – across a number of locations – and was contested by some of the most successful ever road cyclists.
 
· Previous Milk Race winners include Shane Sutton – a current part of British Cycling’s coaching set-up – and Malcolm Elliott, the team manager of the Node4-Giordana professional team.
 
· In 2013, The Milk Race returned after 20 years and was held in Nottingham city centre – attended by over 60,000 people. Dani King and Felix English won the women’s elite race and the men’s elite race respectively.
 
· The Milk Race is a registered trademark of The Dairy Council and the event is funded by members of the Milk Marketing Forum (comprised of Arla Foods UK, Dairy Crest Limited, First Milk and Müller Wiseman Dairies).