A brand new show for 2023 showcases a diverse range of cycle interests – for everyone from adults to toddlers – as regional cyclists follow the just-started Tour de France!
Stonham Barns Park will be hosting its first ever Suffolk CycleFest for bicycle lovers, enthusiasts and racers from across the region on Sunday 16 June 2023 (10.00am – 4.00pm). The all-inclusive and interactive cycle show will demonstrate the amazing range of cycle activities including time trials bikes, riding the local sportive (open to everyone with a bike – electric as well), BMX stunt riders, kids balance bike and electric cycling.
Clubs and visitors can expect to see and participate in various events during the CycleFest. On Sunday there will be a 30, 60 and 100-mile Sportive – supported and run by Stowmarket and District Cycle Club. The event will coincide with the Tour de France and be a precursor to the just announced Tour of Britain which will once again include a stage in Suffolk.
The show will be backed by up-and-coming British Cycling star Abbey Thompson who is sponsored by the leisure, retail and holiday venue Stonham Barns Park. Abbey – who was inspired by her father Leon Thompson to start cycling and has cycled with British Cycling pro Megan Barker – will be attending the show on Sunday. Her favourite wins include the Paris Roubaix in France, the GB Road and TT National Championship and the Isle of Man National Youth series races. Abbey has a kit sponsorship deal and is given additional support from the venue which began sponsoring her when she cycled 120 miles from London to Dunwich for Great Ormond Street Hospital and stopped off at Stonham Barns Park on her way!
Her long-term aim is to be a famous professional cyclist and win the World Championship – and the women’s Tour de France!
Says Events Manager Fraser Carson, ‘Stonham Barns Park has always been a venue for cyclists hosting the Suffolk Youth Race Team (aged from 6-17) years – who use the showground as a practice track – and it is the start/stop point for many regional club races and time trials.’
‘We are very proud to be staging this debut event for cycle clubs and cyclists everywhere. As cycling has grown so much as a participation sport in recent years, we are looking forward to rolling out this first Suffolk CycleFest for the region. We anticipate a huge interest in the weekend as we are now fully up and running with the cycling season – and heading towards the start of the Tour de France!’
To add variety to the weekend, the show will feature the Extreme Bike Battle Stunt Team, a Kids Balance Bike trail, trade stands and many other attractions.
