Cycling - Le Tour inspires Staveley sportive (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cycling - Le Tour inspires Staveley sportive

1:38pm Tuesday 7th July 2009 in

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IN CELEBRATION of the world's toughest sporting event 'Le Tour de France' this weekend the UK's largest cycle store WHEELBASE.co.uk is holding its annual 'Le Tour de Staveley', a non-competitive road sportive for all abilities on Saturday.

Now in it’s fourth year this popular road bike event has a capacity of 300 riders, who will depart from the Mill Yard in Staveley in three staggered starts to tackle a choice of either a 45-mile ‘tough’ course or the shorter 22-mile option.

Both routes take in the rolling countryside of Underbarrow and Brigsteer, with the peloton on the long course then spinning off down pan-flat Lyth Valley towards Grange over Cartmel Fell and then talking a ‘Bianca Strada’ (white, gravel climb) through Chapel House wood providing amazing views up Lake Windermere.

Both long and short course riders then reassemble at The Hare & Hounds in Bowland Bridge before ambling back through Crook en route to Staveley for a French theme meal courtesy of Wilf’s Café and to enjoy a selection of organic French wines from wine merchant Organico. Riders are also given the opportunity to ride the same 'dream' bikes that the pro riders in the real 'Tour de France' are using as the event is supported by Italian road bike manufacturer Wilier, sponsor of Team Lampre and Cannondale from the USA, sponsor of pro team Liquigas.