Taking on tough hills of the tour
WARWICKSHIRE County Council leader Izzi Seccombe jumped in the saddle to take on the steepest sections of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour.
The third stage of this year’s international cycle event, which features top international riders, starts in Atherstone and finishes in Leamington 151km later – by way of the steep Burton Dassett Hills.
Warwickshire County Council has worked with tour organisers to bring the event back to the area – so Cllr Seccombe thought she should try some of the bumpier sections of the ride for herself.
She enlisted the help of Rugbybased world endurance cycle record holder James Golding, who has raised more than £3 million for charity after twice overcoming cancer, to help her pedal up the 14 per cent Edge Hill.
James also lent her an electricassist bike for the trip and accompanied her on a road bike.
Cllr Seccombe said: “I had a great deal of help from James and my bike but cycling up Edge Hill certainly made me realise just how fit the women athletes have to be to complete five stages in successive days without the assistance I had,” she said.
“It also underlined a couple of other important factors. Firstly, just how magnificent the countryside in Warwickshire is, and why the organisers were keen to return, Cllr Izzi Seccombe and James Golding because the views were stunning.”
James, who is a finalist in the Pride Of Britain Awards as Fundraiser of the Year, said: “You still have to put in the effort on an electric-assist bike, and Izzi flew up the hill – it really was quite impressive,” he said.
“The electric-assist bikes mean cycling has become even more accessible for all ages and abilities and, like Izzi, even if you haven’t ridden for decades you can now jump on a bike and enjoy riding with friends, groups and some of the toughest hills around.”
The race begins today. Warwickshire is the third of five stages and racing in our region takes places on Friday. to meet – was to acknowledge the complexity without sacrificing clarity.
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