When keen cyclist Nathan Clegg heard about an exciting town centre road race to herald the arrival of the Tour de France he just had to get involved.
The inaugural Huddersfield Criterium cycle race will be staged on the evening of Friday, July 4, and will see professional and top amateur cyclists haring round the streets of the town centre at breakneck speeds.
Nathan, senior graphic designer at Armitage Bridge company One 17 Design, has signed up to take part – but wanted to do more.
Having explained the principle of the event to trustees of One 17 Design’s charitable trust, he was able to offer “discounted design time” to the event organisers. As a result, Nathan has been involved in creating the brand, designing the website and producing the programme for the event.
In addition, One 17 Design has become sponsor of the evening’s youth race, reflecting a particular concern of the charitable trust to help local young people.
Said Nathan: “This is very much a community event, celebrating the fact that we are hosting the Tour and putting Huddersfield firmly on the cycling map.
“We are only able to hold the Criterium thanks to the efforts and support of what are predominantly local companies and individuals pulling together. If it is as successful as we hope, it could become an annual event, benefiting everyone in the Huddersfield area.”
The Criterium, which is being staged two days before the Tour’s Grand Depart, will see shops and town centre businesses staying open for an extra three hours hoping to attract custom from the anticipated huge crowds.
Click below to see an animated route map for the event.
The event is being organised by Dave Sowerby, of Mirfield-based Sowerby Brothers Cycles, and former Kirklees mayor Clr Martyn Bolt.
A normal Criterium attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators, but Clr Bolt is hoping that even more will turn out in Huddersfield given its proximity to the start of Le Tour and the fact that top UK professionals will be taking part.
Top cyclists line up for Huddersfield Criterium bike challenge - click here to read more
Huddersfield Criterium town centre cycle race route revealed for Tour de France weekend - click here to read more
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