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In July, British Cycling’s Go-Ride youth development programme organised a Go-Ride Tour tied in with the Yorkshire, Cambridge and London parts of this year’s Tour de France.
129 Go-Ride Clubs across the country hosted 241 entry-level events throughout the month of July. The come-and-try sessions were delivered to 9000 riders, of which 3,800 were taking part in cycle sport for the first time. 54 Go-Ride Clubs that had never delivered an entry-level race before, decided to host a Go-Ride Racing event as part of the Go-Ride Tour. Of those 54 clubs, 29 have continued to deliver entry-level racing events.
British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme is supported by the Bike Hub Fund, a voluntary levy scheme organised by the Bicycle Association of Great Britain.
John Mills, British Cycling’s director of coaching, education and development, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of young riders inspired to take part in the Go-Ride Tour and the efforts of dedicated volunteers across the country hosting so many events.
“They have contributed significantly to cementing the legacy of the Tour de France visiting our shores and the growth of the sport as a whole.”
In addition to Go-Ride Tour events hosted by clubs, British Cycling’s team of Go-Ride Coaches also held come-and-try events at festivals around the stages of the Grand Depart, giving even more young people the opportunity to get involved with the sport.
Jason Kenny, a world champion who was talent-spotted whilst riding for Sports City Velo Go-Ride Club, said: “It’s unbelievable to hear about all the young people inspired to get into cycling after watching events on the world stage and the Go-Ride Tour is a brilliant way for clubs to harness that inspiration and get more kids involved.”
