Local pro cyclist joins this year’s Sky Ride programme

On Sunday 12 May Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, a Team Sky Pro Cyclist, will be star guest at this year's Sky Ride Plymouth. He will join residents taking part in the off road cycling event at Central Park. This announcement comes as Plymouth City Council and British Cycling confirm the route and activities for the day.

Born in Plymouth Jonathan started his career at Mid Devon Cycling Club. He soon found himself in the spotlight when he headed up the Great Britain cycling team at the 2012 World Championships.

This helped turn 2012 into the best season of his career with nine wins, including the Tour Mediterraneen, Tour du Haut Var, Tour Alsace and Tour of Britain.

Kicking off at 10am the two mile circular off road cycle route will start at the Clock Tower before heading off past the Plymouth Argyle grounds. The route will then pass near the Plymouth Life Centre before heading through the park past the pitch and putt green and returning to the clock tower.

The circular route allows for people to cycle it as many times as they would like making it suitable for all abilities.

Jonathan Tiernan-Locke said: “I’m honoured to be able to attend this Sky Ride event taking place on my home turf. The excellent thing about this day is that anyone can join in – kids can bring their balance bikes or stabilisers, adults can dig out their old bikes and people who have never cycled before can hire a bike and join the thousands of others by taking their first step into the world of cycling.

“I look forward to seeing lots of people there – fingers crossed the weather will be as nice as last year.”

For those just wanting to soak up the festival atmosphere there will be a range of fun activities and entertainment on hand.

There will be something for everyone from bike maintenance workshops, Bikeability sessions and an opportunity to ‘Bling your Bike’.

World class riders from BMX flatland will be wowing the crowds with their incredibly fast spinning skills.

People will be able to try their hand at Rollapaluza, a unique cycle sport where contestants can battle it out on a pair of custom-built rollers reaching speeds in excess of 50mph!

If that wasn’t all The Plymouth Life Centre will also be providing free taster sessions, including badminton, table tennis, squash, Zumba, Body Combat and Body Pump, bookable through the Centre reception on the day.

Councillor Philippa Davey, the Council’s Cycling Commissioner said: “I’m so excited about this event; I really can’t wait for it! It’s a fun day out for all the family and is an excellent opportunity for those who may not like to cycle on the road to build up their confidence. This can be done at their own pace with other like-minded people all looking to enjoy themselves. I’m signed up, are you?”

For more information and to sign up for the Sky Ride Plymouth event visit www.goskyride.com/plymouth.