Biking enthusiasts in Suffolk will be treated to a weekend of all things cycling next month – and the local economy will receive a boost, too.
The UCS Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal Grand Prix, Ipswich’s third Skyride and the new sportive UCS Ipswich and Coastal Giro d’Espresso will all take place across Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8.
Saturday’s Giro d’Espresso will see an estimated 250 cyclists from across the region testing out a slighly shorter 100km version of the following day’s 130km Grand Prix route along the Suffolk coast.
Riders can head off between 8am and 9am at the Cult Cafe Bar near Neptune Marina with a free shot of espresso. The route rolls out across the Suffolk countryside to Thorpeness and Aldeburgh before returning to the Waterfront where participants will be greeted with a Suffolk pie and a pint of Adnams.
The UCS Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal Grand Prix, which will feature top UK teams including Rapha Condor Pro and IG Sigma Cycling, is expected to draw thousands of spectators on the Sunday.
Once the race is in full swing, the Ipswich Sky Ride will begin.
June’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series and last year’s Tour of Britain spectacular boosted the local economy and Paul Greene from the borough council said September’s weekend should provide a similar lift to businesses.
“Regarding the economy, we estimate a similar total impact as the whole weekend covers Sportive (Giro d’Espresso), Elite riders race and Sky Ride Ipswich.”
Councillor Bryony Rudkin, the council’s cultural portfolio-holder, added: “We are hoping that this weekend will become a regular fixture on the British cycling calendar.
“It is a unique chance to spend a weekend in Suffolk, ride the sportive, watch the pros race and then ride on traffic-free streets for the Ipswich Sky Ride.”
Professor Brendon Noble, Head of School, Science, Technology and Helath at UCS, said: “We are very pleased to be involved with another exciting event for British cycling and look forward to welcoming elite riders and the SkyRide back to the UCS Ipswich campus in the heart of the Waterfront.”
To take part in the Sky Ride event on Sunday, September 8 sign up at www.goskyride.com/Ipswich. To register for the sportive, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk
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