Aberdeen City became a cycling hub over the weekend as the city welcomed the Getabout Aberdeen Cycling Festival and hosted the 2022 AJ Bell Tour of Britain Grand Depart.
The weekend’s excitement began on Saturday with the Getabout Aberdeen Cycling Festival, a whole day of family fun activities, including a cycle stunt team, climbing wall and bungee trampolining.
Saturday’s activities also saw cycle races throughout the afternoon with races at both senior and junior levels, finishing with the races being won by:
- Ross Birrell (Team Inspired) in the Scottish Cycling Senior Men’s Criterium Championship Race;
- Kate Richardson in the Scottish Cycling Senior Women’s Criterium Championship Race;
- Eilidh Shaw in the Scottish Junior Women’s Criterium Championship race, and;
- Archie Ellen in the Scottish Cycling Junior Men’s Championship.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Dr David Cameron, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people turn out today in the city centre and enjoy a fantastic day of activities.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the Tour of Britain back to Aberdeen tomorrow.”
Aberdeen city businesses had been encouraged to show their support in the build-up to the weekend by taking part in a Window Dressing Competition and adopting a cycling theme or design.
The entries were judged by the Lord Provost and a public poll on Facebook and the winners will be announced next week.
People were also able to take part in the Hidden Item Challenge and look for Getabout or cycling related items in the windows of 15 shops and businesses across the city centre, after which they could receive a free scoop of Mackie’s ice cream and enter a draw for one of four £250 bike shop vouchers.
The Getabout Aberdeen Cycling Festival is part funded by Smarter Choices, Smarter Places, which is Paths for All’s programme to increase active and sustainable travel throughout Scotland and is grant-funded by Transport Scotland and was also funded by Event Scotland and Schlumberger.
Graham McQueen, Manager of the Paths for All Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme said: The Getabout Aberdeen Cycling Festival highlights the dedication to and importance of cycling in Aberdeen. It’s a really positive event, getting people out, active and participating in the streets of Aberdeen. We want people to be inspired and to take home the message that cycling and walking is for everyone, to take steps to build active travel into your daily lives and improve your health, your wellbeing and your community.”
The enjoyment will continue tomorrow when Aberdeen hosts the start of the 2022 Tour of Britain for the first time, with riders setting off from Union Street at 11am and finishing at the Glenshee Ski Centre.