The cycling season is in full swing and one of the most anticipated events, the
VIA Criterium, is rolling back into King’s Cross from 21-23 June as part of the inaugural londoncyclefestival.
This exciting three-day celebration of cycling which has expanded this year to feature the
Brompton World Championships, promises an unforgettable weekend of race action and community activities for cycling enthusiasts, spectators, and participants of all ages to enjoy.
A festival of racing
The festival will kick off on Friday 21 June from 6pm-10pm with several races and the chance to ride the circuit through the historic King’s Cross Estate and Coal Drops Yard,
providing an incredible backdrop to the action. A new edition to the Friday evening is a series of fixed-wheel racing. With no gears or brakes, fixed-wheel racing takes cycling to a whole new level providing a thrilling spectacle to entertain the crowds.
Saturday 22 June will see the much-loved Brompton World Championships return to London after an absence of nearly five years. From 10.30am-10pm, participants and spectators
can expect the traditional pageantry of the championships, including the iconic BWC race which will take place on the same circuit as the VIA Criterium in Coal Drops Yard, in Kings Cross.
Highlights of the racing calendar also include the women’s and men’s elite category races on Saturday featuring competitors from the world’s fastest semi-pro riders to regional
racers and cyclists from the local community.
On Sunday 23 June, the event will open from 10.30am-6pm and the focus will be on youth races. Bike enthusiasts can enjoy themed Explore London guided tours throughout
the city including the London Fashion Ride, London Art Ride, London Architecture Ride and London Design Ride, each hosted by experts in their fields.
The vibrant VIA village
An action-packed schedule of interactive experiences will run throughout londoncyclefestival, including opportunities for test rides, thrilling stunt performances and exciting
appearances by special guests. Catering to cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, the festival will offer learn to ride demonstrations ranging from balance bikes for budding riders to cargo and e-bikes, and there will be a dedicated children’s race
zone for the little ones to learn to cycle.
Visitors can explore two exhibition zones, interact with top brands, and witness world-renowned athletes like Jake 100 and the Off The Streets crew showcase
their freestyle prowess and wheelie skills. The festival will span three locations:
·
VIA Race Village in
Lewis Cubitt Square, offering an expo and retail space for Road & Gravel enthusiasts.
·
Urban Mobility & Family Area in
Granary Square, a hub for E-bikes, Tourers, and Cargo Bikes, complete with expo, retail, demo areas, and a children’s race area.
·
Granary Square,
the stage for BMX freestyle, bike ball demos, and awe inspiring stunts.
In addition, there will also be a full programme of community activities throughout the weekend , including hosted workshops covering essential bike maintenance, Barista masterclasses (how to make the perfect flat white!) and test rides, plus delicious street food.
Chrissy Cullen, Place Marketing Director at King’s Cross, said: “We’re
so thrilled to be hosting the inaugural londoncyclefestival and the second edition of the VIA CRITERIUM in King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard this June. With a wide range of events, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a keen
sports spectator or in search of family fun and free activities for kids, we invite you to join us and experience the excitement first hand.”
The londoncyclefestival and VIA CRITERIUM are brought to life by the team behind VIA Atelier, the premium cycling concept store based in King’s Cross, designed by cyclists,
run by cyclists. The event is committed to promoting health and fitness and green initiatives within the community. The weekend will see people of all ages – from toddlers to the over 60s – experience cycling in a safe and closely monitored environment. The
event will open from 6-10pm on Friday 21 June, 10.30am-10pm on Saturday 22 June and 10.30am-6pm on Sunday 23 June.
Follow VIA on Instagram @via-atelier.cc and
visit www.via-atelier.cc for
up-to-date news updates and announcements. Please visit www.kingscross.co.uk
for more information.
