Galashiels residents and businesses are being encouraged to get in to the cycling spirit ahead of next month’s Tour Series event in the town centre.
Tour Series heads to Galashiels
The town is hosting the second round of this year’s Tour Series - a fun, fast and free to spectate cycling event which attracts large crowds. It sees Britain’s best male and female riders compete in a unique, team based format as part of a full day of sporting and community-focused activities. The Tour Series is the UK’s premier professional cycle race series, with national and international television coverage, including highlights on ITV4.
Range of community events to support the day
Energise Galashiels Trust is working alongside ourselves and Live Borders to support the event and has launched a community bike decorating competition for all to get involved in.
Free bikes, provided by Just Cycle, are available, on a first-come-first-served basis, for anyone wishing to take part. These can be collected from the Focus Centre in Galashiels any day before 2pm – simply ask for the Centre caretaker who will be happy to help.
The competition ends on the 29 April when representatives from the Braw Lads' Gathering will judge the best bikes in Bank Street gardens between 7 and 8pm.
The winning bikes will then be displayed throughout the town for the duration of the Tour Series. The winners will also receive gift vouchers and a goody bag.
Window dressing competition
Town centre businesses are also being encouraged to join in the festivities with a window dressing competition.
To take part, all you have to do is:
- Decorate a window at your business premises based on a cycling theme
- Email the organisers at hello@galashielsheartland.org.uk by 12noon on Monday 2 May to let say that you are taking part
- Have your window ready for judging by 5.30pm on Monday 2 May
- Keep your window dressed until Thursday 5 May
The windows will be judged by this year's Braw Lad and Lass, with the winner to be announced during the Tour Series event. The prize is £250 worth of advertising with Radio Borders.
A range of community events and entertainment are being planned for the day of the event itself, and further details will be provided soon.
Debbie Paterson, Energise Galashiels Trust Member:
“It’s a privilege for the town to be involved in the Tour Series. This allows Galashiels to be part of something bigger and as a sport-loving town, I have no doubt that the crowds will come out to support this event. As preparations are already underway, there’s a buzz among traders in the town, with many choosing to open late on the day of the 4th May.”