PEOPLE

The shorter distance events helped to create an exciting festival atmosphere

It’s vital to have local clubs helping to run the events as well as showcasing their club with Hertfordshire Cycling taking responsibility for the overall series management. “The organisation that an event like this requires is huge, especially when there are five rounds. It takes all the partners – and especially the round lead organisers – to work together. Every link in the chain has to be working for everyone else. “It’s vital to have local clubs helping run the events on the day as well as showcasing their club. It’s also a great chance to work with a range of stallholders and other businesses that have links to cycling, helping to make the festivals cater for everyone,” he explained. While cycling is the focus of the event, there are other things to consider, said Truran. “Creating the festival atmosphere and ‘buzz’ is very important. Whilst there is a huge amount of planning and preparation, the quality of the events and the feedback has been incredibly encouraging.” Truran was happy with the participation numbers for this year’s event, with between 250 and 500 riders competing in each event, along with several hundred who participated in the free practice rides. There was also a significant increase in spectator numbers. sportsmanagement.co.uk

Looking ahead After such a successful tour this year, Truran fully expects that the event will take place again in 2017. “The feedback has been very encouraging. We are working closely with all partners towards next year. “At every stage we have learnt new things. More communication with residents and local businesses before the events is something we are committed to. Also securing ongoing sponsorship and co-operation from a number of stakeholders is important.” Of utmost importance for Truran and the team, however, is that the enjoyment of cycling prevails. “The tour brings the excitement of cycling to the community, offers access and the opportunity to take part. Everyone can be a cyclist – we want people to be enthusiastic about getting on a bike whether they want to compete in races, commute to school or work or take a leisurely ride at the weekend,” he said. “Creating a buzz and getting people talking about cycling is a positive outcome we have delivered through these events. This is good for cycling clubs and also a boost for local businesses with thousands of people coming along to watch the events.” ● Issue 128  November/December 2016 11