The second edition of the Orbital Cycling Festival comes to the Goodwood Motor Circuit on July 26 and 27, 2014.
Organisers describe the Orbital Cycling Festival as “a true celebration of all things cycling” including races, meanders, entertainment, an expo, bike jumble and much more.
Last year the Orbital Festival attracted 6,000 cyclists, fans and their friends and family; this year organisers are expecting upwards of 10,000.
There will be road races using the Goodwood circuit, plus a recumbent bike race, a keirin race, family ride-outs and mountain bike racing.
The Brompton World Championship will also be held over the weekend, drawing participants from across the globe. The Orbital 500 road race has a prize pot of £5,000, which is hoped to attract some of the biggest names in the UK racing scene.
For teams of four representing companies small and large there’s the Orbital TT contest comprising a three event schedule: a four-up time trial,a road race and a team relay.
The Paddock Expo, located next to the race track, will provide a chance to look at the latest bikes, apparel, parts and accessories. There’s also a bike jumble and market area in the Tower Fayre.
And you won’t have to miss the last couple of days of the year’s biggest race: the Tour de France will be showing on the big screen, with lots of locally-produced food and drink to consume while you watch.
There will be cycle stunt teams and displays in action, featuring jump sensation Blake Samson and free runner Luke Madigan, plus a demo track for everyone to use and flatland BMX star Matti Hemmings will be showing off his skills and providing workshops for children looking to learn new moves.
There will be balance bikes for the under-fives and the kids will be safe and contained on the pump track, giving parents some time to relax. For six to ten-year-olds, there will be Go-Ride training delivered by qualified coaches.
Para-cyclists will have access to the all-inclusive riding environment at Orbital Cycling Festival and can join in some of the racing action.
If you occasionally cross over to the dirty side, you can choose two new mountain bike events on the South Downs – an enduro and an off-road sportive along local trails and bridleways.
In the evenings there will be DJs and live music next to the motor circuit.
Antony Auty, Orbital Cycling Festival’s founder, says: “Our goal is to bring all cyclists together for an exciting weekend of all things cycling. We’ve made sure there’s lots for everyone to do, even the non-cyclists of your group. It’s an opportunity to bring all the family or to have a fun weekend away with friends. Last year was Orbital’s first year and it was a huge success. We can’t wait for July.”
For more information see http://www.orbitalfestival.com/