20,000 cyclists expected to attend Cycle Expo Yorkshire

Cycle Expo Yorkshire is due to take place in Harrogate later this year, bringing an estimated 20,000 cycling enthusiasts into the region.

Having hosted the Tour De France’s Grand Depart in 2014 and the now annual Tour de Yorkshire, the county has also secured the UCI Road World Championships in 2019, which is expected to bring record numbers of spectators to the area.

The Cycle Expo Yorkshire has been added to the calendar, at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre from October 12 to the 14, 2018.

In a joint venture between Welcome to Yorkshire and Leeds-based international marketing and events specialists, XSEM, the event hopes to “bring cycling enthusiasts globally to Yorkshire in a mass celebration of cycling.”

Chief executive at Welcome to Yorkshire Sir Gary Verity commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Yorkshire. Cyclists travel from far and wide to cycle on our iconic roads and Cycle Expo Yorkshire will further cement the region’s position as a hub for international cycling.

“Along with the Tour de Yorkshire and the UCI Road World Championships in 2019, Cycle Expo Yorkshire will continue to build on our cycling legacy attracting thousands of visitors. We have already had a great response from local cycle clubs and retailers alike, and hope the rest of the county can get behind us to support the event in true Yorkshire spirit.”

Head of bike at XSEM Charlotte Scoular added: “With its rich cycling heritage and success of previous events, Yorkshire is the perfect choice for the Cycle Expo. The YEC is one of the most prestigious events spaces in the UK and we are privileged to have the facilities and staff to make this an unforgettable experience for all two-wheel enthusiasts.

“As a proud Yorkshire company, we are delighted to be managing the Cycle Expo Yorkshire. It’s the passion of the people of Yorkshire that make events like this such a joy to organise.”

Within the YEC’s 250 acres of land, there will be a number of races and competitions covering all cycling disciplines, from a closed road circuit race, to a large Cyclocross event and an international pro-rider flatland competition.

The Cycle Expo Yorkshire will host a number of carefully created demo areas, where enthusiasts can try the latest models from some of the industry’s biggest brands. The event will also feature a woodland mountain bike track and a kids ‘GoRide Zone’ with expert coaches on hand.

Tickets for the Cycle Expo Yorkshire go on sale this month. Those interested in exhibiting can get further information at www.cycleexpo.co.uk.