MALVERN residents have created a giant human bike to celebrate the district hosting the final stage of the country’s top cycling race.
The OVO Energy Tour of Britain comes to Worcestershire on Sunday, 10 September and some of the world’s elite cyclists will pass through ‘The Malverns’ as they make their way down to the finish line in Cardiff.
To mark the occasion, visitors to the Pickersleigh Fun Day last Friday joined forces with staff from Malvern Hills District Council and Fortis Living to create a giant human bicycle on Dukes Meadow playing fields.
The stunt was captured by Malvern-based Gavin Allen from Photoglide and will help promote the race which is expected to attract thousands of visitors.
Coun David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Creating the human bike was a fun way of tapping into the excitement that is building as the race draws nearer and the results are pretty impressive.
“We’re delighted to be hosting part of the final stage of the Tour of Britain which provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase all The Malverns has to offer on a national scale.”
The race starts in Worcester City at 11am and will arrive in The Malverns about 11.20am at Baughton before making its way through Upton High Street just after 11.30am.
Riders are expected to reach Marlbank Road in Welland at 11.45am.
Climbers will then take over as they go head-to-head in a race to the top of British Camp in a battle for points as part of the King of the Mountains contest, which takes place within the main race.
The district council, Upton Business Association, Upton Town Council, Malvern Cycle Sport and Freedom Leisure have joined forces to offer a range of entertainment in Upton in the build up to the race.
From 9.30am there will be a number of activities on offer including novelty races, live music, a bike based treasure hunt, street market, road rides and Tour of Britain themed window dressing competition.
The full programme of events in Upton will be available to view at www.visitthemalverns.org closer to the day of the race.
