Andover Cycling Festival

Andover Cycling Festival returns again for its 5^th year, with renewed enthusiasm to inspire the people of Andover and the surrounding area into  group activity outdoors

The 2024 Andover Cycling festival offers a weekend of pleasant and various cycling events in and around Andover. We start with a Family Fun Day cycling event at Vigo Park, with a Stunt Cycling display team performing their spectacular bike handling skills, with several stints over the course of the afternoon. There will be a cycling coaching session for youngsters, to learn some basic skills and bike proficiency, finishing with a cycling circuit pedal around a closed circuit within Vigo Park. Do as many laps as you want to, stop and have a drink halfway, meet new friends and have some cycling fun. Medals for all participants. There will be several cycling information stands about cycling in and around Andover - information on cycling clubs, E-bike viewing and an opportunity to test one, plus refreshments stalls and some music to create a pleasant and fun afternoon in the park for everyone.

On Sunday the cycle road sportive rides take place, starting at our usual venue in the town centre, high street, outside the Guildhall. Three ride distances to choose from – an 85-mile ride into the vale of Pewsey for the keen cyclist, a 50-mile ride (also to the Vale of Pewsey) for the regular cyclist and those new to cycling and want a longer ride. Thirdly, the popular 15-mile ride for families or those wanting a shorter route that stays local to Andover and explores the picturesque lanes and villages in the surrounding countryside.

The event – organised by Halo Sports in association with Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council -  aims to raise awareness of  the cycling opportunities available in Andover – both thorough the lanes and byways close to Andover and the whole cycle network in the town centre.

The Cycling Festival has a clear objective to raise the profile of activity through cycling, for all ages. It will create a feel good factor, both in physical wellbeing and mental health, through increased motivation and inspiration. Andover Cycling Festival is targeted on the following:

• Bringing the community together
• Increasing footfall in Andover town Centre
• Create a feel good factor for everyone involved in a group activity in the open air
• Promoting Health and Wellbeing
• Helping to address Child obesity to deliver the activity to all ages,

The Under 16’s ride in Vigo Park will take place on a barriered closed circuit in the park, part grass, part concrete cycle path, with approved British Cycling risk assessment and event signage, to ensure both rider and public safety.

The cycling festival will aim to raise awareness of the cycle lane network for residents and visitors to Andover, for leisure and for commuting motives.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Andover over the weekend of 6^th and 7^th July.