Get ready for a weekend of cycling in Derbyshire

Derbyshire is gearing up for a weekend of cycling action with the Aviva Women’s Tour on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June, and vintage cycling festival Eroica Britannia in Bakewell on 17 to 19 June.

The Aviva Women’s Tour will race through the county from Ashbourne to Chesterfield, travelling through Buxton, Chatsworth, Youlgreave and Matlock, on Friday 17 June.

Cycling fans in the county will also have the chance to catch the action for a second time a day later on Stage Four, which will also pass through South Derbyshire on its way from Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent.

The Ashbourne to Chesterfield stage falls on the same weekend as the popular Eroica Britannia family festival in Bakewell, just a short ride from the route. The festival offers fun for all the family with three days of live music, entertainment, acres of shopping, the World’s biggest Bike Jumble and food festival.

Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor John Owen, said: “The weekend promises to be a fantastic opportunity for the county. There’s the Aviva Women’s Tour where you can watch a top class international sporting event for free.

“And then we welcome thousands of cyclists on vintage bikes to take part in Eroica Britannia. This prestigious event will boost the county’s economy as many of the riders come from outside the county, as well as offering a great day out for local people.

British Cycling rider Jessie Walker said: “I’m delighted to be riding in the Aviva Women’s Tour. I’m very familiar with the Derbyshire hills as I’m from Sheffield and have been cycling in the county for many years.

“I competed in the inaugural Women’s Tour in 2014 and was overwhelmed by the support out on the roads. It really gives the race an amazing buzz, making it an extra special race on the calendar.”

Find out more about the Stage three finish in Chesterfield.