CYCLING: UK StreetVelodrome Series to wheel to Ballyclare

As part of the town’s Festival of Cycling, round four of the popular series is wheeling into Sixmile Leisure Centre later this month.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council says its delighted to have received sponsorship for the festival from Tourism Northern Ireland and an action-packed weekend (June 18 - 20) is planned.

From 10am until 6pm on June 18 (Saturday), Sir Chris Hoy wannabes can test their cycling skills on the StreetVelodrome track. Places for this activity need to be booked in advance by visiting www.streetvelodrome.co.uk.

For anyone who would like to try out a spin class for the first time or refresh their memory from classes in the past, spin taster sessions are also taking place in Sixmile Leisure Centre. Places for these ‘try it’ sessions also require booking in advance by contacting the centre on 028 9334 1818.

June 19 (Sunday) sees the televised round of the UK StreetVelodrome Series running from 10am until 6pm.

This unique event will allow spectators to watch professional cyclists and will bring the excitement and drama of track cycling to life.

Q Radio’s Ibe Sesay will be ensuring the crowd are revved up for the competition with a live broadcast from 12pm.

As well as bling your bike sessions, urban sports demonstrations and BMX cycle skills, free family fun including face painting, inflatables, music and street entertainment will be on offer on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm.

Full details of all activities taking place during the festival can be found on www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/nicyclefest or www.streetvelodrome.co.uk.

Ballyclare Festival of Cycling forms part of the NI Festival of Cycling which is taking place across Northern Ireland from 5-19 June.