More than 40 pupils from schools across Bath and the local area have been chosen to lead out The Friends Life Tour of Britain cycle race when it comes to the city on Friday.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is hosting Stage Six of the 128-mile race from Bath to Hemel Hempstead near London.
Up to 120 professional cyclists representing 20 teams are taking part in the race, including last year’s winner, Sir Bradley Wiggins.
The 46 youngsters, aged eight to 17 years, were all nominated to represent their school or cycling club for being excellent role models in positively promoting cycling.
These young cyclists were nominated by their schools for a variety of reasons including regularly helping the Council’s Cycling Development officer Jim Imeson run ‘Go by Bike’ school cycling events.
Others successfully competed in Bath and North East Somerset’s first ever School Duathlon; took part in the popular Wheels for All Bike Club, or have cycled with the Sulis Scorpions at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit.
Some were chosen because they have cycled to school every single day this year, come rain or shine.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “In recognition of their efforts and achievements, they will now get the chance of a lifetime to lead out The Friends Life Tour of Britain Stage Six from the start line on Royal Avenue to The Circus, where the professional cyclists will pass them in front of thousands of cheering spectators!
“Part of the legacy of the Tour of Britain coming to Bath will be that it inspires even more young people to start cycling and, hopefully, to become future cycling champions just like the fantastic youth participants in this year’s lead-out group.”
One student in particular who will be getting excited is Sumaya, aged 8, from the St. Martin’s Garden Margaret Coates Centre, who will be seated in a cargo bike at the front of the procession. Sumaya will be providing a surprise treat for the spectators as she rides through Royal Crescent.
The Friends Life Tour of Britain began in Liverpool at the weekend. When it reaches Bath, the cyclists will be presented to more than 10,000 spectators in the Royal Avenue before completing a lap through the city, showcasing many of Bath’s historic sites, and then making their way up Wellsway, along Claverton Down, down Brassknocker Hill, into the Limpley Stoke Valley and then on to Hemel Hempstead.
