Derby all set for Big Cycle weekend

A weekend of cycling in Derby is expected to draw thousands to the city’s Markeaton Park.

The second Big Cycle free festival this Saturday and Sunday (July 11-12) has been extended to cover the entire weekend and it includes a charity bike ride, track races, bike polo, BMX displays and stunt riders.

Last year’s one-day event saw a crowd of 1,000 attend, but organisers are hoping to double that this year.

Derby County manager Nigel Clough will launch the fourth annual Five Parks charity bike ride on Sunday, sending riders on a circuit that covers Markeaton Park, Markeaton Recreation Ground, Bass Recreation Ground, Darley Playing Fields and Darley Park.

Stan Werbinski, from Cycle Derby, said the weekend would be the latest in a series of successful bike events in the city.

He said: “Last year was the first Big Cycle event and it was a great success – but it only lasted one day. This year, we're building on that by holding it over a whole weekend.

“Earlier this year, we hosted the national BMX championship at the circuit in Alvaston and that was a huge success, with crowds of about 5,000. Big Cycle is hopefully going to build on that and add to what has already been a fantastic year for cycling.”

Mr Werbinski said he hoped the festival would get people living in the city to leave their cars at home and take up cycling.

He said: “Our aim is to encourage people to cycle in different ways, whether that's commuting to work or going for a ride with friends and family. We want people to come along, have fun and find out how they can benefit from bikes.

“It's all about getting out, getting active and keeping fit, and if we can encourage a few people to take up cycling, it will have been a success.”

The free festival takes place between 10am and 4pm on both days.

For more information, visit www.cyclederby.co.uk.