Vintage Velo and Cycling Fest weekend in Seaton

The successful cycling weekend returns to the Jurassic Coast on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July, in the coastal town of Seaton.

Fast becoming a key date in the cycling calendar, Seaton Cycle Fest is held in the beautiful seaside town and includes fast and furious criterium races for all ages and a more genteel vintage cycle day for family fun.

The Race Day event on Sunday 1st July sees 200 of the best riders from the region and beyond taking part in a series of fast-paced criterium races covering a 1.2km circuit following the long, flat seafront as well as a sharp ascent and tricky technical descent. Race categories include juniors, men and women, an open race and relay race for kids comprising up to 400 heats throughout the day. A Primary School relay is set to also take place on the Sunday morning involving schools from around the county.

Brandon Ellis, organiser of the Race Day says, “Our race day is fast becoming a must for serious riders in the South West and we’re anticipating a big turnout this year. The course has a good mixture of tight technical corners and long straights and is considered one of the best town centre circuit races in the country. The atmosphere last year was amazing and we hope this year to see plenty of spectators as well as riders. In the past two years we have attracted some of the best riders in the country with Great Britain international Will Tidball among our winners in the last two editions.”

The 14th Velo Vintage Occasion and Ride is being hosted by Seaton for the second year running on Saturday 30th June, attracting 150 amateur cyclists dressed in vintage clothing and riding decorated bicycles on a 9-mile leisurely route around the coastal town. The vintage ride will take in views of Seaton Jurassic, Seaton Wetlands and Windsor Gardens, with stops for tea and cake along the route and a picnic, family entertainment and live music from the very talented Liberty Sisters at Cliff Field Gardens, the final destination. Donations from the Velo Vintage ticket sales will be donated to Headway Devon, based in Exeter.

Sebastian Cope, organiser of the Velo Vintage Occasion and Ride, says, “We would encourage as many spectators along to meet the riders and see some of their amazing machines, including tricycles, tandems and penny farthings. We have a limited number of tickets available for the ride itself, but it is such a great day and we’d love everyone to come along to the Grand Depart at 10.30am from Seaton Jurassic or when the cyclists stop in Windsor Gardens, Cross Street at 1.45pm”.

Spectators to both the Vintage Velo and Race Day events can also enjoy family entertainment including a bouncy castle, food stalls, arts and crafts in the Festival Village in Cliff Field Gardens from 1pm on Saturday 30th June as well as an artisan market at Thury Harcourt Place from 11am on Sunday 1st July.

On the Saturday watch demonstrations of traditional weaving with looms from Axminster heritage centre and on the Sunday an interactive walkabout performance from Dolly’s Trolley along Seaton seafront. Seaton’s many cafés, pubs and eateries are also open for visitors to enjoy throughout Cycle Fest in addition to overnight accommodation for those enjoying the whole weekend.

Seaton Cycle Fest is organised by Seaton Town Council in association with 1st Chard Wheelers and British Cycling. Visit the British Cycling website to book your place on the Seaton Cycle Fest criterium.

To find accommodation, the best places to eat and drink and other attractions in Seaton visit www.seatondevon.org