Milk Race returns to Nottingham with a host of Olympic champions set to compete

The Milk Race will return to Nottingham City Centre for the third year in a row with a number of Olympic stars due to appear. On May 24, Laura Trott and Dame Sarah Storey will join 2013 winner Dani King in the women’s race, while the men’s race will see Ed Clancy pitted against team pursuit team-mate Steven Burke, among others.

In 2013, the Dairy Council and Milk Marketing Forum relaunched the Milk Race, after what is now the Tour of Britain ran under the same name from 1958 until 1993 (alternating during the last dozen years of its existence with sponsorship by Kellogg’s).

The new version of the Milk Race has turned out to be a popular one day event. In 2013, 60,000 spectators took to the streets of Nottingham to watch Olympic gold medallist Dani King of Wiggle-Honda win the women’s race, and Rapha-Condor-JLT’s Felix English triumph in the men’s event, while last year 90,000 people turned out to watch as Katie Archibald and Graham Briggs emerged victorious. All former winners will again be taking part in 2015.

King, one of the first cyclists to enter this year’s race, said:

“I'm very excited to take part in The Milk Race again for the third year running. It's great to be able to ride the circuit through the heart of Nottingham and with the season off to an excellent start for me, I'm hoping the success will continue both for myself and the team in May.”

Nigel Hawkins, head of culture and libraries at Nottingham City Council said that the city was proud to again host the Milk Race and pointed out that there would also be two public rides on offer on the same circuit.

“It’s fantastic that people will be able to come along and see such a high calibre of Olympic and world class cyclists competing. Along with seeing the best in the sport, many cyclists and families will also have the opportunity to ride the course if they register soon. Nottingham has a great cycling tradition and this event continues our proud connection with the sport. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and I hope many people will turn out to cheer the elite racers on as well as visit the Milk Race village in the Old Market Square.”

The family ride is suitable for all ages and abilities, including young children, while an advanced ride is geared towards over 12s. If you’re interested, you can register here. The entertainment in Old Market Square will also include live music and stunt shows.