I shouldn’t really mock the accent; it is, after all, my own… but this event – the first ever Cycle Expo in Yorkshire – from the 12th to the 14th October is something to look forward to. It will be taking place in Harrogate at the Yorkshire Event Centre, a place that, until I started typing this sentence, I had no idea existed. (The event centre that is, not Harrogate…). A bit of info from the organisers themselves:

“Yorkshire is set to welcome 20,000 cycling enthusiasts as the county holds its first major cycle expo later this year. Cycle Expo Yorkshire is due to roll into Harrogate later this year, adding to the county’s impressive repertoire of international grade cycle events.

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 region. And now the Cycle Expo Yorkshire has been added to the calendar, at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) from 12-14 October 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.  

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive at Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “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.” 

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 boast a number of carefully created demo areas, where enthusiasts can try the latest models from some of the industry’s biggest brands. Featuring a woodland mountain bike track and a kids ‘GoRide Zone’ with expert coaches on hand, Cycle Expo Yorkshire caters to all, from the novice and beginner, to the dedicated amateurs and professionals.

Cyclists will also be able to try conquering the challenging Yorkshire hills and headwinds on the two eBike areas, where experts will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on choosing the right bikes and equipment.”

Cycling? Yorkshire? What’s not to like? Tickets available here.

Photo credit: SWPix.com