This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Day of cycling a huge success
12/07/2021
High spirits as riders rise to the cycling challenge at Broughton Castle
This year’s Broughton Castle Sportive has been hailed as a huge success. 625 people took part in the challenging Cotswold’s cycle ride yesterday, choosing one of five different routes, ranging for a family five-mile fun ride to the appropriately titled 100-mile beast.
The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Banbury Cherwell with eight months preparation leading up to the cyclists setting off on their rides yesterday. Early indications suggest the event raised in excess of £8,500 for local charities.
Luke Sherlock from Banbury completed the 100-mile route. He takes part in many cycling challenges and considers this to be one of the toughest and described the route as “brutal”.
Luke said: “It’s one of the hardest experiences I have ever done in this area. It takes in all of the hardest hills. It really does push you, even if you’re a hardened athlete.”
Elleanor Arnold from Brackley cycled the 20-mile route and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Elleanor said “It was brilliant – really lovely views. There are [some steep hills]. My cycle computer registered some eleven percenters!”
Father and son Paul and Philip Terry were looking forward to heading out on the 20-mile ride together. Paul, who is a member of Banbury Star Cycling Club, said: “There’s a really nice downhill to the finish. The problem is there’s a couple of big up-hills to get to that around Brailles.”
A large number of volunteers enabled the Broughton Castle Sportive, setting up the event through the early hours of Sunday morning ahead of the first cyclists setting off at 6.30am. Riders were monitored as they made their way around the route.
Lord and Lady Saye and Sele were in attendance, having made the castle grounds available for the event, with Martin Fiennes taking part himself. Banbury’s Town Mayor, Councillor Shaida Hussain was on hand to present the medals as cyclists returned during the afternoon.
Have a look at our pictures from the Broughton Castle Sportive here:
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam