Gearing up to greet Ironbridge cycle racers
Cyclists from across Shropshire will face a new challenge when they race through one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums.
Racers will take on all the Gorge's climbs when they tackle a new cyclo-cross event at Blists Hill Victorian Town, cheered on by its residents.
The event is to be called the Queen Victoria Cyclo-Cross and its challenging off-road routes are expected to attract riders from all over the country.
Riders will face a daunting course with an unusual set of challenges, including the Hay Inclined Plane foremost amongst them.
With a height of 207m, the plane was once used to lower tub boats full with iron and coal down the steep sides of the Gorge to be transported by river.
Between watching the races, spectators will be able to explore the Victorian streets of the popular tourist attraction.
Nick Jeggo, from Newport Cycling Club, promoter of the event, said: "Blists Hill is a fantastic location for a cyclo-cross race, there's already been a massive amount of interest."
Special event categories have been created for different age groups, all with a Victorian theme.
There will be races for Tykes and Urchins, Vagabonds and Chimney Sweeps and finally Convicts, Hooligans, Unchaperoned Women and Gentlemen.
Mr Jeggo said: "We really want there to be a fun aspect to the evening.
"We are working on a few other ideas, which we think will lend themselves to the occasion."
The event will start at 6pm on Saturday, spectators are welcome for a small entrance fee of £3 per adult, while children under 16 will be free of charge and must be accompanied by an adult.
For more details visit www.queenviccx.moonfruit.com or ring Nick Jeggo on 07967 452688.
Further information about Blists Hill can be found on www.ironbridge.org.uk.
