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THOUSANDS of cycling fans are expected to converge on the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate next weekend for Cycle Expo Yorkshire.

Billed as ‘the UK’s most interactive cycle show’, it takes place between October 12 and 14 and features trade stands, the latest bikes, cycling technology and equipment, plus test tracks and demo zones.

Charlotte Scoular, of Cycle Expo Yorkshire, said: “We have a number of keen cyclists within the business and clearly cycling is huge within Yorkshire and we felt that now was the perfect time to run an Expo related to cycling. We came up with the idea about 18 months ago and thought we could set something up in 2018, but also with a view to 2019 with the Road World Champs coming to town.

“We did some market research within the industry, retailers, manufacturers, local cycle clubs, to find out where they were going currently, and if this might be of interest, and the response was incredible, it was so overwhelming. What we hoped would be wanted we found there was a real demand for.”

Welcome to Yorkshire and Sir Gary Verity, who spearheaded the success of the Tour de Yorkshire, came onboard and then they signed up World, Commonwealth and National cycling champion Lizzie Deignan as an ambassador for the event.

“We picked the Great Yorkshire Showground mainly because of the 250-acres of land that it is set in – it really lends itself to running live races and demos – and we thought who better to come and wave the flag for us than Lizzie,” said Charlotte. “She was absolutely thrilled to be onboard and is a huge advocate of Yorkshire and lives locally, which was convenient. It seemed like a perfect fit.”

Charlotte said there would be something for everyone at the event. “We have a trade day on the Friday, and then Saturday and Sunday are very public-focused, with a view to making it accessible and available to everyone, whether new to the saddle or an experienced cyclist, all the way up to pro rider,” she said.

“Within the event itself, we have 6,500 sq ft of indoor exhibition space in the main hall. For a year-one show, we have got some great brands, through bikes, clothing, accessories, travel and nutrition. We have some of the bigger, more established brands, but also some of the newer-to-market brands as well.

“Then - and this is really exciting - within the grounds themselves, we have the demo tracks and test zones. This came from the research – ‘how can we make this a show like no other?’ It was about being able to put bums on seats, really support the industry, getting people testing the bikes, riding them in real life environments.”

Charlotte said they were fortunate to have a woodland area within the show grounds. “SingletrAction are coming along to grade some trails within that area so that we can demo mountain bikes, for example, to the best of their riding ability on different terrain,” she said. “We have got some hills and sloped roads which are really great for the e-bikes, which are such a hot topic within cycling at the minute.

“For riders to be able to come and see how that assistance will help them get up hills is invaluable to the brand. There are seven miles of closed roads within the grounds and that will really allow people of all ages and all abilities to come and ride bikes in a safe, traffic-free, environment.”

There will be areas for children to learn cycling skills, both on and off road, but that’s not all. “We have also partnered with Get Cycling in York, who are very much waving the flag for inclusivity and getting more people with disabilities into sport and riding bikes, so we will have inclusive rides on adapted bikes,” said Charlotte. “There really is something for everyone.”

  • The event is open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, with advance tickets £14.50 for adults and £7.50 for children between the age of five and 16. Club or British Cycling members can get in for £10.60.
  • For more details visit: www.cycleexpo.co.uk

WIN a Canyon Endurace AL 6.0

For every ticket purchased, you’ll automatically be entered into a competition to win a Canyon Endurace AL 6.0. The winner will be announced at the Cycle Expo.