Hadleigh Cycling Club planned the event to capitalise on the countywide interest in cycling, particularly as Suffolk has recently hosted a number of national tours.
The sportive on September 19 and 20 was named The Gayford Flyer in recognition of the town’s world record breaking aviator, Oswald Gayford.
The 50km and 100km routes took the riders past landmarks including the Gayford family home on Angel Street, RAF Wattisham where he served as a commander and his final resting place in Naughton.
James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, visited the event and witnessed the younger cyclists as they were put through a series of drills and participated in races.
Adam Chamberlin, chairman of the club said: “We believe that this weekend supports the Suffolk’s Year of Cycling initiative and links with the County Council’s ambition to be the most active county.
“It also helps to ensure that there is a legacy for cycling in Hadleigh after the visits by the professionals in June with the Women’s Tour and the Tour of Britain last weekend.”
Richard Holdaway, Sportive Director said: “The Flyer couldn’t have taken place without the help of numerous volunteers and the backing of businesses in the town.
“It has been a tremendous amount of work but the riders are already asking whether we will run it again next year.”
The sportive was supported by The Pedal House, The George Public House, Sunny Day Cycleworks, Crockatt Garage, Morrisons and the Co-op.
Visit hadleighcyclingclub.org for details about the club.
- Published in the EADT.