Crazy cycling race returning to Blists Hill's cobbled streets
Hundreds of cyclists will visit Telford as "Britain's craziest bike race" makes its return.
The Queen Victoria Cyclocross Race will be held at Blists Hill in June, and features officials dressed in Victorian costume and a course through the museum's period streets and buildings.
Other entertainment will include the period funfair, steam engines, barrel organs and the authentic 19th century pub.
But despite the wacky surroundings, it is no less serious for the 300 riders set to take part.
Each race takes in several laps of a gruelling circuit featuring pavements and cobbled streets, wooded trails and steep hills, with riders having to carry their bike over several parts of the course.
Travelling
Entries are now open and the organisers are encouraging anyone to come and have a go, from novices to experienced cyclocross riders.
Promoter Nick Jeggo said: "The event has become one of the classic races on the cyclocross calendar, with people travelling from all over the UK to take part.
"It has grown year-on-year and we’re looking forward to an evening of family fun combined with top class cycling action.”
The race will be sponsored by Ludgate Business Finance.
Steve Grice, the business's director and a keen cyclist with Newport Shropshire Cycling Club, said: "This is a great fun event, and we are very happy to be sponsoring it again. It’s a real have-a-go race for all comers.”
Competitors can enter online at cyclotours.co.uk/qvcx/race-entry
Admission for spectators is £4, with children under 16 free. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult and dogs are welcome on a lead.
For more information about the race visit queenviccx.co.uk and for Blists Hill see ironbridge.org.uk
