Riders tackle Saddleworth hills for Tour de Manc

IT WAS known as blood, sweat and gears as cyclists converged on the area for the second Tour de Manc which was bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event.

A field of 400 took part in one of two routes of 100km or 100 miles – actually it was 108 miles in length – after 470 riders had signed up for the ride through Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs with the route including Millbrook, Carrbook and Saddleworth’s villages.

It was well up on last year when 94 took part from 113 entries in what was a ‘tester’ event.

One of the highlights was again the refreshment stop at Carr House, Standedge Road, Diggle, where Colin Berry and his partner Eve offered home-made scones among other refreshments.

The event raised £12,000 for headline charities Haematology and Transplant Support (HaTS) at The Christie and Forever Manchester that funds community projects.

Tony Rubins, one of the organisers, estimates a further £24,000 was raised by individuals for various charities of their choice.

“The feedback we have received has been incredible and unanimously positive,” he explained.

“It was a great day and the cyclists gave a lot of positive comments about the route and the scenery saying they would be encouraging friends to sign up.”

They were not put off by 7,900ft of climbing in the main event and 4,900ft in the ‘Half Manc’.

The previous day there was also a bike ride for the disabled at Tameside Cycling Circuit in Ashton that attracted 100 adults and children.

Tony added that the organisers have already met with key sponsors/supporters to discuss events in 2018.

It has been agreed to raise the limit from 500 to 2,500 for the main event that has been provisionally agreed for Sunday, May 6. It is earlier to avoid a clash with Ramadan.

There is also to be a shorter event that will be family orientated with a limit of about 200 riders.

It has also been agreed to hold a children’s event in each of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester as well as the disabled event and also a cyclo cross.

 

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