Money needed to stage cycling event in Tewkesbury

A national cycling event will only come to Tewkesbury if another £20,000 in funding can be found.

That is the warning from the borough council, which is working with the organisers of the Tour Series to try to bring the prestigious event to Tewkesbury.

It began last year and attracted thousands of visitors to 10 English towns and cities for the one-day professional cycling race.

The event’s promoters aim to tour in four more locations next year and have chosen Tewkesbury as one of them.

Event organisers said the town’s links with cycling and its involvement in the Government-backed Healthy Towns’ initiative were behind the decision to visit.

The council has promised to provide £20,000 and the Healthy Towns’ Count Me In! initiative has agreed to give another £20,000. That leaves £20,000 to be found from other sources.

Councillor Phil Taylor, the council’s portfolio holder for economic development and promotion, said: “I hope we get this final chunk of funding – the event won’t go ahead without it.

“It will put Tewkesbury on the map. There will be national publicity and it will bring so many visitors to the borough. It won’t just be about the professional cycling either as there will be a huge range of activities for the community.

“They include a whole range of events for children, opportunities for local teams to compete, fun events for all the family, opportunities to meet elite athletes and bicycle demonstrations and workshops. Local cycling clubs and individuals are already offering their support.

“The event will also be a unique platform for Tewkesbury to promote itself and with the event gaining national media coverage, we hope that organisations will get involved with sponsoring the event to really showcase themselves.”

Event organiser Craig Brophy said: “Tewkesbury is a cycling town so as a venue for The Tour Series it couldn’t be better.

“The fact that the area is one of the nine Government-backed Healthy Towns means the event will be well-placed.

“All events are extremely well-attended and receive national television coverage so it will really benefit Tewkesbury’s tourism.”

Tags: Event Sponsorship, national cycling event, Tewkesbury

Category: Sporting Events