Think big to get your cycling work of art seen by millions
A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE farmer whose creation was seen by millions of people on television is calling on the public to create more land art for the upcoming OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycling event.
Des Allen delighted viewers with his image of a bicycle made of sheep feed during last year’s event.
The tradition of creating huge pieces of art visible from above for television cameras during cycle races has long been celebrated - and organisers of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain have now launched a competition to find the most eye-catching.
A launch of the competition was held at Trent Bridge yesterday morning as a nod to Mr Allen’s artwork, which was created by putting the feed into the shape of the bicycle.
He said: “We were staggered by the response that our small efforts received last year. We did it as a bit of fun and the response was fantastic.
“The local adviser for the NFU (National Farmers’ Union) came round trying to get people to join in and I said ‘if you can get someone to draw the bike, then I will do the rest,’ so it was a joint exercise between us really.
“I would urge people to have a go; from a little bit of effort it is sometimes amazing the response you receive.”
The 63-year-old isn’t repeating his feats this year and the route doesn’t pass by his Coddington farm.
“We might go and watch the event this year if we can get to it,” he said. “It was a really enjoyable day last year.”
The event is coming to Nottingham for stage seven on September 8; the longest stage of the eight-day tour at 223km, running from West Bridgford to Mansfield.
Councillor Kay Cutts, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “It’s great testament to the success of last year’s race that national organisers have chosen our county to launch this exciting competition.
“Nottinghamshire people came out in their thousands to line the route, which added a tremendous sparkle to the event.
“At 223 kilometres, we are hosting the longest stage this time - so our county has a fantastic opportunity to get involved and hopefully a winner will be found here in Nottinghamshire.
“Last year, we had so many examples of magical land art moments provided by local schools, sailing clubs and, of course, the muchtalked about sheep creation by Nottinghamshire farmer Des Allen.”
OVO Energy Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett added: “We are delighted to be adding this land art competition to the ways that communities across the country can get involved in the race this September.
“Last year’s Nottinghamshire stage in particular saw several fantastic examples of land art created by community groups and this has inspired us to encourage people across the route this year to show their support and get creative.
“Over the coming weeks, we will see countless examples of land art during the Tour de France, which will inspire people’s creativity.”
This year’s event will see teams who compete on the UCI World Tour - the top level of racing - such as Team Sky, Lotto Soudal and Mitchelton Scott, head to Britain for the country’s premier road cycling event.
To find out more and how to register your planned land art with race organisers, visit www.tourofbritain. co.uk/land-art where you can also find some useful tips and advice to aid your creativity.