Irwin Mitchell Sponsoring The Popular Cycling Festival

A spectacular event offering the very best in cycling and family entertainment officially gets underway on Friday 3 June, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell.

The Tour of Cambridgeshire hosts two mass participation cycling events on fully closed roads which cater for all bike riders from elite athletes to amateurs.

Irwin Mitchell is proudly sponsoring this year’s Tour of Cambridgeshire to help promote a safety first approach to cycling along with the fitness, health and social benefits that come with riding your bike.

If you’re a massive cycling fan, then here are seven reasons why this is ‘the perfect weekend for you’.

1. The Gran Fondo

The Gran Fondo is a very unique cycling challenge that everyone can enter, even though it doubles up as a 2016 UK qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

The race is held on fully closed roads over 80.2 miles with riders competing to qualify by racing each other over the long route which takes in the sights and sounds of Cambridge.

With 7000 people able to take part it is also available to friends, families and colleagues over a shorter route of 58.2miles and a few places do remain for anyone looking for a last-minute cycling challenge.

2. The Gran Chrono

On Saturday, the very best cyclists go head to head in a time trial over a sporting circuit of 16.5 miles which starts indoors at the Peterborough Arena with a ramp, spectacular lighting and an electronic countdown.

The ToC Chrono is the UK qualifier for time trial title at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships with the winner in each age group presented with the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.

800 riders have registered, making it the largest cycling time trial ever to be held in the history of the sport.

3. The Tour of Colour

Before the cycling commences, the weekend officially begins in the brightest way possible with a 5k colour run followed by a celebratory after party.

Whether you’re raising money for a charity close to your heart or just want to be a part of this colourful party, this event is perfect start to three days of family fun.

4. The City

Cambridge is famous for its love of cycling and therefore makes it the perfect place to stay for a weekend full of culture.

Walk or cycle around the picturesque city, knowing you’re only a few miles away from the event in Peterborough.

5. The Inclusivity

Throughout the weekend they’ll be a series of mini races and challenges to cater for young kids and people with a disability who are keen to take part and join in with the fun.

Activities include hand cycling, sprints, a multi-sport taster event and a special cycling challenge which sees a bike rider eliminated every lap until you’re left with a winner.

6. The Atmosphere

Spectators can still join thousands of people of all ages and experience the very best that cycling has to offer over a weekend of spectacular entertainment and a superb atmosphere.

7. The Support

As cyclists of all abilities take on a variety of challenges, including the Gran Fondo and the Gran Chrome, they need the support of the thousands of spectators to push them on to even greater success.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office has a team of six riders taking part in the Gran Fondo.

Irwin Mitchell will be there throughout the weekend to talk about campaigns like Don’t Quit Do It, which aims to inspire those with a disability to take up sport.

The law firm will also be promoting its #SaferJourneys campaign, which reiterate the importance of cyclists staying safe and switched on whether they use a bike for a daily commute to work, a family ride in the park or to race professionally.

Ruth Booy, Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office, rode the Gran Fondo last year and regularly cycles to work in Cambridge.

Expert Opinion

“We’re all really excited now the Tour of Cambridgeshire is almost here and are proud to be sponsoring such a special event.

“The focus is rightly on the thousands of competitors and spectators enjoying a weekend to remember, but it is also an ideal time to remind all road users of their responsibility in helping to keep cyclists safe.”

“If you’re into cycling then this is the perfect weekend for you.” Ruth Booy - Partner