Almost 500 islanders took to the saddle recently to take part in HSBC’s Let’s Ride Jersey event, with hundreds more coming along to support friends and family and find out more about how cycling can benefit them and their island.
The free day-long family event, designed to be a celebration of cycling, featured a number of leisurely ‘ride-outs’ along St Aubin’s Bay with cyclists of all ages and abilities taking part, from young children to grandparents.
In addition, a number of keen cyclists also attempted to beat Guest Ambassador and former BMX and team sprint world champion Shanaze Reade’s time in one of the Sprint Challenges. Members of local cycling clubs also took part in a special Cycling Club Sprint Challenge. The winners of those, who were presented with specially produced trophies, were as follows:
- Sprint Challenges:Charlie Hart and Luc Mon-Petit Le Brun
- Cycling Club Sprint Challenge: Caesarean Cycling Club (Team) and James Patterson (Individual)
Meanwhile, the Let’s Ride Jersey Hub provided a focal point for the event, featuring a children’s obstacle course set by the Jersey Cycling Association Youth Academy (JCAYA), the internationally-renowned ‘RPM Bike Trials Display Team’ wowing crowds with displays throughout the day and a number of local cycling clubs and shops offering bike maintenance and general cycling advice.
Tracy Garrad, CEO, HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, added:
“The aim of Let’s Ride Jersey was to inspire more people, regardless of their age or ability, to get out and about on their bikes and I think from the response we had on the day, it certainly achieved that. There’s no doubt that Jersey offers the pefect environment for cycling and hopefully this event will encourage islanders to keep peddling and make the most of the benefits cycling offers.”
During her visit to Jersey, Shanaze also assisted with a special training session for the JCAYA, where she gave an insight into how she achieved world champion status, offered practical advice on improving technique and highlighted the importance of having fun with the sport.
