Strictly Cycling to return to Richmond in summer (From Your Local Guardian)

Strictly Cycling to return to Richmond in summer

12:00pm Saturday 28th January 2012 in Richmond By Rachel Bishop

Richmond’s cycling champion, Councillor Katharine Harborne is promoting the return of Strictly Cycling to Richmond this summer, as part of the borough’s Olympic legacy.

Organised by Twickenham Cycling Club and Richmond Council, Strictly Cycling’s aim is to get competitive cycling in schools and volunteer participation events.

Coun Harborne is promoting a series of events in schools, as well as a Championship Bike Festival on Sunday, June 24, in Kneller Gardens.

The project is backed by Boris Johnson, NHS Richmond, Twickenham Cycling Club, British Cycling and Breeze, the national cycling for women programme.

Coun Harborne said: “Last year’s event was a huge success, a fun day out for the whole family with stalls, cycling information/checks and an organised ride around the borough.

“This summer we’re running it as a key part of Richmond’s Olympic legacy as the Olympic Road Race will be coming through Richmond.”

Participants will get the opportunity to try grass track racing with British Cycling Regional Championships providing a more serious challenge for more experienced cyclists.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said “Strictly Cycling is an ingenious idea to promote competitive cycling in local Richmond schools.”

For more information, visit britishcycling.org.uk.