The Olympic and World Champion cyclist Dani King MBE will officially open the Odd Down Cycle Circuit on Saturday 13th July.
Following in the tracks of Sir Chris Hoy – who toured the 1.5km closed-road circuit in June – Dani will sign autographs and chat with visitors as she kicks off a day of fun for all the family.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is proud to welcome Dani King MBE to open Odd Down Cycle Circuit as we especially want to encourage more girls and women into the sport and Dani is a terrific role model.
“We’re extremely grateful to British Cycling for their generous support in funding the circuit. We hope that by working together we can persuade more people to get active and enjoy the benefits of cycling – not only as a fun way to improve fitness and also as a greener way to get around.”
The free Family Fun day and Cycle Festival runs from 9am-4pm; offering a chance to experience the new cycle circuit (from 9am-1pm) with Go Ride activities from British Cycling and cycle challenges from Sulis Scorpions Youth Cycling Alliance, Bath Cycling Club, Velo Club Walcot and Somer Valley Cycling Club.
From 1pm there is a programme of cycle races on the Circuit, which promises to be a great opportunity to witness cycle racing first hand. Organised by Bath Cycling Club, the races will be for everyone from youths, to women’s to elite racing.
Although entry for the races may be available on the day, especially for youths and women, you are encouraged to book your place in advance at: www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/96298/Bath-CC-Odd-Down-Saturday-Circuits.
The specially-designed circuit was constructed by Bath & North East Somerset Council with the help of a £600,000 grant from British Cycling. It is currently one of only 17 specific closed road cycling circuits in England and the first purpose built facility in the South British Cycling region.
In the first couple of months since it opened (May-June) a total of 83 sessions have been booked at Odd Down Cycle Circuit. More than 1,000 visits have been made by cyclists – including pre-schoolers, members of British Cycling’s Junior Olympic Talent Programme and cyclists with a range of disabilities using adapted bikes from the Council’s Wheel for All scheme.
Dani King MBE, the London 2012 Olympic Champion and three-time Team Pursuit World Champion/World Record Holder, said: “It is fantastic news that the cycle circuit is now open. When I was first getting into the sport, I was lucky enough to have a facility like this close to where I lived, and it played a huge role in my development as a cyclist. With so many young people being inspired by the success of British athletes, in ten years’ time Odd Down Cycle Circuit may well be hailing future Olympic champions!”
Dani will be joined at the official opening by local rising cycling stars Bethany Taylor (14) and Sophie Taylor (13). The Keynsham sisters, who go to Wellsway School, are already making a name for themselves in cycling and have their sights on the next Olympics in Rio. Both girls are South of England 2012 road race and cyclocross champions in their age groups and have been picked to represent the region at the national track and mountain bike championships, where they will compete against the best in Britain.
British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said: “We’re at a record high in the numbers of people interested in cycling so it is vital that there are a wealth of facilities nationwide to meet increasing demand. We are delighted to have supported Odd Down circuit. This is already a treasured community facility – best of all, it is open to all from experienced cyclists to people getting on a bike for the very first time. The facility will be a significant boost to competitive cycling at a club and regional level and will help new cyclists develop the skills and confidence they need to ride on the roads.”
There’s a range of other activities running on the playing fields from 10am-4pm including rugby and football, as well as scooter racing, and circus skills workshops. The day also includes inflatable fun, a climbing wall, fitness challenges, charity stalls and face painting for everyone to enjoy. There are many competitions with prizes and giveaways up for grabs too.
The Cycle Circuit is the first phase in the planned redevelopment of the whole Odd Down site, which will include a new 3G Astro Pitch, improved pitches and new changing facilities.
