Peak District hosts a summer of cycling as Eroica Britannia leads the way

Lovers of life on two wheels can pedal at a leisurely pace or take to the fast lane during the second Peak District & Derbyshire Summer of Cycling from June to August 2015.
Cyclists taking part in the Eroica Britannia, near Chatsworth House, will be headlining a fabulous summer of riding opportunities and events across the Peak District. Picture courtesy of www.dynamicpictures.co.uk.Cyclists taking part in the Eroica Britannia, near Chatsworth House, will be headlining a fabulous summer of riding opportunities and events across the Peak District. Picture courtesy of www.dynamicpictures.co.uk.
Cyclists taking part in the Eroica Britannia, near Chatsworth House, will be headlining a fabulous summer of riding opportunities and events across the Peak District. Picture courtesy of www.dynamicpictures.co.uk.

Centrepiece of this year’s celebrations will be the three-day life, style and cycling festival Eroica Britannia, billed as ‘the most handsome festival in the world’, from June 19 to 21.

Around 3,500 cyclists from all over the UK and around the world are set to don retro gear and take to pre-1987 bikes for this year’s race on Sunday June 21, passing through some of the finest Peak District landscapes and villages en route.

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Bakewell Showground, in the heart of the Peak District, will once again host three days of fabulous fun for all the family, including live music, more than 200 vendors, acres of vintage shopping, a specialist food festival and a wealth of activities and experiences.

Other events during the Summer of Cycling include family friendly rides, a guided Tour de Frites retro ride including fish and chips, a cycle ride to the cinema and guided rides in some of the area’s most scenic locations.

More competitive cyclists will enjoy challenges such as the new Bradwell Hill Billy Sportive or the off-road Bamford Hill Climb, up one of the steepest roads in England.

The Peak District and Derbyshire will also host up to 120 of the world’s top cyclists during the tenth Tour of Britain, the country’s premier road cycling event, on Friday September 11. Starting in Stoke-on-Trent, they will race through Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock and Belper during the 189 kilometres stage to Nottingham.

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“Cycling really got into gear in the Peak District and Derbyshire last year, thanks to flagship events such as the Tour de France, the first-ever Eroica Britannia and the first Peak District & Derbyshire Summer of Cycling,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“This year we’re aiming to build on that by working closely with a range of local partners to promote a programme of activities to suit all ages and abilities, and for everyone from absolute beginners to expert road cyclists. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy some exercise and fresh air amid the stunning landscapes of the Peak District and Derbyshire – and a great excuse to book a short break.”

For full details, plus an up-to-the-minute cycle map featuring trails and routes across the area, pick up the brand new Cycle Peak District & Derbyshire leaflet, now available at tourist information centres and other venues in and around the Peak District and Derbyshire, including Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield. Updates are also available online at www.summerofcycling.co.uk.