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Now in its ninth year, the Tour of Wessex saw its highest ever number of riders take place in 2013.
Based in the market town of Somerton – Ancient Royal Capital of Wessex – riders head out into Somerset, skirting Dorset and Wiltshire, across the three day event.
Trek UK is sponsor for the 2014 tour, which runs Friday May 24th to Sunday May 26th. Trek will have Project One demos, a dedicated Trek and Bontrager retail outlet and rider support in Trek neutral service bikes. Race HQ will feature Trek movie nights, ladies seminars and Precision Fit demos. Trek dealer live2ride will support it too through Bike Fit sessions and bike testing.
Shimano has signed up to the 2014 event too, with full Shimano mechanical support on the course through two neutral support vehicles plus spare wheels and qualified bike technicians at each feed station. The Shimano BMW neutral service motorbike will be on call too.
Sports nutrition specialist OTE will be supplying specific products and advice to Tour entrants.
“The Tour of Wessex is an event that offers a unique format for riders, one that is unlike any other sportive," said Trek UK director Nigel Roberts. "It’s an event that we’re happy to be part of, as it provides an opportunity for us to contribute to a festive atmosphere that goes beyond a typical one day event.”
Madison’s Kellie Parsons commented: “Shimano is synonymous with the world’s leading cycling events so our partnership with the Tour of Wessex is an obvious one. Not only does the Tour give amateur cyclists an insight into the endeavours and hardships of stage racing, but with our Shimano neutral support service they can now enjoy the same back-up that professional riders expect, helping participants focus on crossing the finish line each day with a smile on their face.”
OTE co-founder Peter Slater added: “OTE Sports are delighted to announce their partnership with the Tour of Wessex 2014. As the official sports nutrition partner we look forward to helping all riders successfully fuel their way round each day. Correct fuelling and refuelling strategies using sports nutrition products have a vital role to play in multi stage challenges such as this so we’ll be right on hand to help riders achieve their PBs.”
