Tour De France Winner Stephen Roche Discovers The Outstanding Cycling On Offer In The Chilterns
Stephen Roche, winner of Le Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and the World Road Race Championships in 1987, enjoyed the fantastic cycling the Chilterns have to offer this week, as ambassador for the new Chiltern 100 Cycling Festival
The event which takes place on Sunday 16 July 2017 at Penn House country estate near Amersham, brings together two existing highlights of the cycling calendar; the Chiltern 100 Sportive and the Chiltern Cycling Festival. With over 3,000 riders expected, the event promises some of the most picturesque, but challenging road cycling available in the UK, proving that ‘brutal can be beautiful’.
To mark the 30th anniversary of his iconic ‘treble’, Irish former professional road-racing cyclist Stephen Roche tackled key sections of the route of the Chiltern 100 Sportive on Thursday, including the infamous climb of ‘Whiteleaf’. The 172 km / 107 mile Gran Fondo is famed for its 21 gruelling hills, but with two shorter route distances available, the Chiltern 100 Sportive ensures that cyclists of all levels can enjoy the spectacular riding within the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Stephen enjoyed a celebratory glass of champagne following his ride, as will all those completing the sportives at the Chiltern 100 Cycling Festival in July. Riders will also receive a finisher’s medal and a ‘goody musette’, and will be able to enjoy the retro-inspired Velo Village back at Penn House, with attractions and entertainment for riders and their friends and families. This will include live music, book signings, live coverage of Stage 15 of Le Tour de France, a beer tent, gourmet cuisine and over 30 stalls featuring clothing, equipment, gifts and collectables. Entry to the Velo Village is open to all and is free of charge. Ample free parking for riders and visitors will be available.
“It’s fantastic to be a part of this celebration of cycling,” says Stephen. “I didn’t realise that there was such amazing - not to mention challenging - cycling country so close to London. With the event being fully supported, you really can just focus on your own riding, getting around the gruelling course and enjoying the stunning scenery.”
“The Velo Village with its huge array of entertainment and activities available for the whole family also promises that the Chiltern 100 Cycling Festival will be a fantastic day out for all. Everyone is welcome - sportive riders, general cycling fans, those just discovering this wonderful sport of ours or even just anyone looking for a great summer’s day out.”
The day will include the Amersham Classic ride, for retro-dressed riders on classic bikes. They can enter into the vintage spirit of cycling’s golden eras including the Stephen Roche inspired 80s. There will also be a Cycletta women’s only wave of the 52km (32mile) sportive course.
A limited number of entries to the Chiltern 100 Cycling Festival sportives are still available. Official charity Action4Youth are also offering places on any ride for only £1, with a pledge that riders raise £150 in support of the work Action4Youth do with young people.
For more information and to enter, visit www.humanrace.co.uk/event/chiltern-100-sportive
About Human Race
Human Race is the UK’s leading mass participation events company, putting on over 30 events each year in triathlon, cycling, running, duathlon and open water swimming. Part of Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), owners of Le Tour de France and the leader in the French running and sportive market, Human Race’s prestigious portfolio includes the Windsor Triathlon, Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales, the Cancer Research UK Winter Run Series and VitalityMove. The company also specialises in delivering bespoke corporate events, working with businesses such as JLL and Cisco.
Human Race’s events bring together an active community of people taking part in sporting events for reasons ranging from fitness, competition, charity, health, fun or to simply finish. The participants vary from nervous first timers of all ages through to World Champions. Collectively, the events raise millions of pounds for hundreds of charities.
www.humanrace.co.uk
About Action4Youth
Action4Youth provide support and facilities that enable young people of all abilities and disabilities to learn to challenge themselves and work with each other - learning what they can achieve rather than what they can’t. The charity provides positive, often transformational experiences and activities that inspire and engage young people with their community, building confidence and self-esteem. More detailed information on the work of the charity can be found at www.action4youth.org.
Sunday February 16th
04:10, 09:10, 15:10 EST
