Tour de France fever has proven to be wheely good for a new Marsden cycling club, who have seen popularity rocket since launching this month.
Marsden Racers became an overnight hit on social media after they unveiled their new free club, which will allow biking enthusiasts to get together in the valley from July 23.
Founders Sinead O’Connor and Ian Battarbee, who decided to launch it in the wake of the legendary race, gained over 100 likes on their Facebook site in less than 24 hours just days after it wowed watchers following its pass through Kirklees.
Both total beginners to Bradley Wiggins types have been welcomed to join and follow routes around the area each Wednesday. They have also set up a sister running group, which has just sprinted into action.
Sinead, who lives in Marsden, said: “Ian was struggling to find a convenient cycling group and myself the same with running. There wasn’t anything close by and the existing club nights were a struggle for us to get to. We put the feelers out and it has snowballed ever since.
“We wanted to create a club that was open to anyone who loves cycling and running or wants to ‘give it a go’ in a safe and supportive environment. This is from the absolute beginner to the Joss Naylor and Bradley Wiggins types. We are in the process of becoming affiliated so that our members, should they choose, can enter competitions and events at a cheaper rate but we also want to encourage the average person who just wants to get fit, lose some weight and meet new people.”
The first cycling night will start on July 23 at 6.30pm from outside Marsden Football Club, in Carrs Road, whilst the runners group will meet each Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.30pm.
For more information, visit www.marsdenracers.co.uk .
