The Milk Race returns for the third year to Nottingham on Sunday 24th May. The exciting day of city centre cycling will see elite cyclists taking part, as well as offering families and other cyclists the chance to ride the same route as the champions.
In 2014, 60,000 spectators watched the Milk Race as Katie Archibald and Graham Briggs rode to victory, securing their place in The Milk Race’s Hall of Fame.
Many top cyclists have already been secured for the 2015 race, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. Matrix Fitness, Wiggle Honda, and Pearl Izumi have all signed up for the women’s race, including four-time world champion and reigning Olympic champion Laura Trott and 20-time world champion Dame Sarah Storey. Olympic gold medallist and Milk Race 2013 champion Dani King, and last year’s Milk Race winner Katie Archibald will also take part.
The men’s elite race has also seen a high calibre of teams and cyclists sign up, with JLT Condor, Team Wiggins and Raleigh due to participate. The JLT Condor team will include Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy, last year’s champion Graham Briggs and Felix English. Team Wiggins has been confirmed with Clancy’s gold medal winning teammate Steven Burke due to ride in May.
Dani King said: “I’m very excited to take part in The Milk Race again for the third year running. It’s great to be able to ride the circuit through the heart of Nottingham and with the season off to an excellent start for me, I’m hoping the success will continue both for myself and the team in May!”
Nigel Hawkins, Head of Culture and Libraries at Nottingham City Council said: ““Nottingham is proud to be hosting the Milk Race once again. It’s fantastic that people will be able to come along and see such a high calibre event, with Olympic and world class cyclists competing. Along with seeing the best in the sport, many cyclists and families will also have the opportunity to ride the course if they register soon. Nottingham has a great cycling tradition and this event continues our proud connection with the sport. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and I hope many people will turn out to cheer the elite racers on as well as visit the Milk Race village in the Old Market Square.”
Sandy Wilkie, Chairman of The Dairy Council – the organisation responsible for the event’s rebirth after a 20-year absence – said: “With one month to go, it’s fantastic to see the excitement building for this year’s event. The standard of the elite cyclists is set to be even higher than in 2014 and with the public rides on offer once again, the Milk Race will have something for everyone.”
Potential participants in the family ride and advanced ride are encouraged to get their entries in before places are fully booked and take advantage of a discounted entry fee. Entry to the rides is free for children 10 and under, £2 for juniors and £5 for adults to cover administration. The cost for any on the day entries will be £10 adults and £5 juniors.
Families and individuals can register for the public rides via the website at https://www.themilkrace.com/register-now
Regular cyclists are suitable for the advanced ride, and the family ride is a brilliant opportunity for families to ride the same track as the elite cyclists. Last year’s event saw reigning Olympic champion Laura Trott take to the course during the family ride, encouraging youngsters who were taking part {Photo attached}.
Nottingham’s Old Market Square will host two days of family activities on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May. As well as the elite races, a host of entertainment in The Milk Race Village will be provided including live music, stunt shows and public rides, starting at 9:30am.
The Milk Race returns as Nottingham is gearing up for a festival of cycling that will entertain residents, bring in visitors and encourage participation in cycling this summer, ahead of works starting on new cycling infrastructure funded by the recently announced £6.1m investment. Cycling events and activities include:
- Free Citycard Bike hire : all summer
- Free guided cycle rides, including Skyrides, in conjunction with British Cycling
- The Nottingham Schools Cycle Challenge : on now until 20 June
- Cycle Live : 20 & 21 June
- Tour of Britain : 11 September
- Find out more at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/festivalofcycling