AN ANNUAL festival of cycling will be returning to Winchester city centre this summer bigger than ever before.

Winchester Criterium and CycleFest is back for its sixth year on Sunday, June 10, supported again by headline sponsors Hargroves Cycles.

There will be a hosts of activities for both spectators and cyclist across the day, with the Criterium race, regarded as one of best, taking place in the heart of the historic city centre. Riders will start at the top of the High Street, turn left on to St Thomas Street, wind their way past the Cathedral, past the city council offices and turn left from Colebrook Street for the long uphill drag to the start/finish line.

A family ride will mark the start of the festival at 9.45 in The Broadway. CycleFest will also have new activities and stalls on The Broadway and Abbey Gardens, ranging from Hargroves Cycles 'roller racing' to arts and crafts and face painting.

Amanda Ford, head of sport and physical activity at Winchester City Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be hosting the Winchester Criterium and CycleFest for the sixth year. Developed from the London Olympic Legacy, we are delighted that it has grown into a well recognised event by riders and our local communities.”

Andy Hargroves, from Hargroves Cycles, added: “We are thrilled to be part of this fantastic event again. It is a special one for us as it presents an opportunity to engage with families and to encourage cycling and healthy living. We are really focussed on our local market and with our Winchester store in Winnall, and headquarters also close by, the Criterium is very important to us.

"It’s also great to experience the rides, it’s not often you get to see such high standard of racing in the city centre of Winchester – on behalf of Hargroves Cycles, we wish all riders the best of luck.”

Entries are now open for the Criterium, with categories ranging from juniors to elite.

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