We are gearing up for Cheltenham Festival of Cycling!

Sunday 1^st September will see the anticipated return of Cheltenham Festival of Cycling. Following the success of a smaller event in May, the festival will see an adrenaline fuelled road race through central Cheltenham; with cycling elites reaching top speeds to claim their prize.

Starting at 11am, the festival will open with a Let’s Ride event, which is free to enter and open to all ages and abilities. This is the perfect opportunity for spectators to test out the circuit before the racers are put through their paces. This initial ride will take place between 11am and 12pm and is expected to see a fantastic turnout. The racing will then continue throughout the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening.

Programme of activities on offer for spectators

Alongside the racing, the festival will be hosting an event village to offer spectators a chance to delve into all things cycling. For those spectators who fancy seeing if they can compete with the elites, Suffershire Indoor Cycling will be running a Wattbike Challenge, a 500 metre speed test with prizes for the fastest man and woman. The prizes will include five free sessions at Suffershire Indoor Cycling, a fitness test, plus more fabulous prizes from Williams Cycles. The challenge will be available for spectators over the age of 16.

British Cycling will be running a junior cycle course which gives kids the opportunity to try out their cycling skills on a track. Coaches will be on hand to help with any advice and will also be providing bikes for spectators who didn’t bring one along.

Stands will include Williams Cycles, the world’s oldest bike shop, who will be demonstrating their cycling gear. Feva Star Seat, who will be showcasing their versatile children’s seats and Leisure Lakes who will be joining the event village to demo their bikes.

The event village will also be hosting a selection of catering vans to offer refreshments for hungry and thirsty spectators and racers. And if that isn’t enough, the race will run through Montpellier which is brimming with fantastic eateries and independent shopping.

Festival timings

Cheltenham Festival of Cycling and event village activities will open from 11am until 8.30pm with the men’s elite winner taking to the stage at 8pm to collect his trophy. Alongside the men’s elite, there will be races for under 14s boys & girls, under 16s boys & girls, a corporate relay race and a women’s elite race.  

For more information including race timings, what’s on and much more please visit: https://cheltenhamcyclingfestival.org.uk.

**Special offers from Cheltenham businesses during Cheltenham Festival of Cycling**

Free Bike Safety Check

Get you bike in tip top condition by popping into The Bicycle Hub.  The local specialist bike shop and hire centre are giving away FREE 15 minute bike safety checks to anyone participating in Cheltenham Festival of Cycling. The check will include testing of the brakes, gears and tyre pressure to ensure the bike is safe and roadworthy. The slots are limited to 2 per day and on a first-come basis between now and the event day.

Accommodation Offers

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet for Sunday 1^st Sept do not worry help is at hand!

Free bike storage for guests & free parking - The No 8 Cheltenham still have availability and are able to offer their guests free secure bike storage and parking.

Exclusive discount - Cotswold Grange Hotel  are offering a stay for only £75 and as a booking perk, there’s a FREE continental breakfast when you quote THE FESTIVAL TOWN when booking. 

Extend your stay – 3 nights for the price of 2 - Extend your weekend in Cheltenham at the Queens Hotel by taking advantage of the 3 nights for the price of 2 including breakfast.

Discounted Sunday Sleepover  - Enjoy an evening relaxing at the No. 131, No. 38 or The Wheatsheaf after a day of cycling!  This special offer includes a glass of fizz, discounted supper, breakfast and a late check out Monday morning.

Food & Drink Offers

Why not pop into town during the event to take advantage of these great special offers?

Brewhouse and Kitchen, The Brewery are offering bottomless brunch from 11am – 2pm for just £20.

Cosy Club, The Brewery are offering any two cocktails for just £9.95 between 4pm-8pm.  

Memsahib Gin and Tea Bar are offering 2FOR1 on all Memsahib Cocktails from opening to sundown and £15 off the Memsahib’s Tasting Menu which is five unique gins, each paired with a course of seasonal food.

Muse Brasserie are offering a delicious Sunday lunch with unlimited red or white wine, prosecco or mocktails for two hours while they dine; one course is just £21, two courses, £25 and three courses £28. More details here. 

The Wilson Art Gallery cafe and the Hub at Leisure at Cheltenham will have some healthy, energising smoothies and snacks available for all cyclists and their supporters including Doctor Beet and Broccoli and the Beast smoothies for £2.50 and Nakd Bars - Lemon Drizzle and Cashew Cookie for just £1.50.

Leisure Offers

Leisure at Cheltenham are offering a free membership joining free (saving up to £30).  Offer is valid until 30^th September, quote ‘Cycling19’ to redeem the offer. Contact membership team to redeem the offer by calling 01242 528 764 or emailing [email protected].

Hollywood Bowl are offering discounted bowling - 2 games and a drink for only £12.49 when bought online. (Available from 4pm). 

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What to expect at Cheltenham Festival of Cycling

Check out the video of the May event which took place in Pittville Park to get an idea of what to expect on the 1^st September.

To see the part of the race route check out this video -