Families enjoy pre-race fun ahead of cycling Tour Series city return
Sunderland families have been enjoying a fun-filled afternoon and evening of activities and entertainment as cycling’s Tour Series returned to the city for the second consecutive year.
While large numbers of spectators lined the streets aroundMowbrayParkinanticipationofwatchingsomeofthe country’stopdomesticcyclists, parentsandchildrenwerealso able to enjoy a range of games hosted by Active Sunderland including stilt walking, swingball,hulahoopingandbeanbag throwing.
The crowds of spectators werealsoentertainedwithlive music and an incredible bicycle stunt display from 3SIXTY.
Returning for the second successive year was Ryhope mum Lucy Greenwell, 42, and son Archie Bailey, three.
Lucy said: “It was really good last year. Archie loved it and so we decided to come back. We’ve been stilt walking, playing swingball and the giant Connect 4 game, and Archie loved the stunt bike show.
"It’s brilliant to have such a high profile event return to the city, particularly after the restrictions of Covid.”
Ross Martin, 41, was enjoyingtheactivitieswithdaughter Kora, seven.
He said: “We’re looking forwardtothecyclingbutit’sgreat to have all these free activities for the children to do. Kora really enjoyed the stunt bike display. It’s good to see people enjoying themselves after the Covid pandemic.”
Kora added: “I’ve had lots of fun and I’m looking forward to the cycling.”
Emma Bryan, 28, was also returning with children Ben, 10,andElyssa,eight,after“they loved it last year”.
She said: “It’s great to see a big event back in the city. I think last years was the first in the city after lockdown.”
Ben added: “I’ve had lots of fun and I can’t wait to see the stunt bike show.”
The races also attracted a number of keen amateur cyclists, who wanted to see the elite riders in action, but were alsolappingupthepre-raceentertainment.
Simon Bowe, 56, had peddled around 20 miles from
Burnopfield in County Durham.
He said: “I’ve watched the first two legs in Guisborough and Galashiels on the television and it’s great to see an elite cycling event back in the city. It’s also great to see all the activities and entertainment to attractfamilieswhichwillhelp get more kids into cycling.”
Itwasasentimentsharedby DavidMcCafferty,41,who’dcycledintothecityfromPeterlee.
Hesaid:“Ithinktheeventis greatforthelocalareaandanythingwhichbringspeopleinto thecitycanonlybegoodforthe economy.”
Also enjoying the pre-race atmosphere was the City Mayor, Cllr Harry Truman, who said: “I’m here to start the race and it’s great to see the Series return for a second year.
"As well as the racing there are lots of activities for families to enjoy and it’s great to see people out and enjoying themselves again after the restrictions of Covid.”
The Tour Series follows on from the weekend’s Sunderland City Runs.
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is one of a number ofmajorsportingeventstolook forward to in our city this year.
"We’ve also got the Super Series Grand Final Triathlon coming to Sunderland for the first time in August and the Tour of Britain in September.”