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TOUR DE STAVELEY – EVENT REPORT

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

The Tour De Staveley made a triumphant return on Saturday the 9th of July under blue skies and blazing July sun following a two year break due to the pandemic. With a packed field of riders keen to explore the quiet lanes of the South Lakes this friendly event took in some challenging climbs with stunning views and was an opportunity for cyclists far and wide to come together and celebrate summer cycling in the sort of riding conditions we spend all winter dreaming about.

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

The large field of Tour De Staveley entrant enjoyed fantastic mid-summer weather.

 

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

Riders head out onto the hilly, challenging South Lakes roads.

 

This year was the 14th running of the Tour De Staveley and it offered two classic Lakeland routes to choose from, the full Tour De Staveley at 48.5 miles and Le Petit Tour at 28 miles, providing the perfect distance to suit all abilities of rider. Wheelbase’s own homage to the world’s most famous cycle race, Le Tour De France, our Lake District Sportive gave riders a chance to explore some of the best riding on offer and to socialise while enjoying a well-earned Tour De France themed meal at the finish served up by Wilf’s Cafe before catching all the action from the day’s Tour de France stage, playing on the big screen at Hawkshead Brewery.

The Gummers How climb was equal parts grueling and scenic with its stunning vista.

 

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

Trees in full leaf provided some much-appreciated shade.

 

Although the Tour De Staveley is run as a non-competitive event, with the main focus on enjoying a friendly and relaxed ride, we did throw in a spot-prize in the form of a Strava Timed Hill Climb challenge, with times recorded up the grueling climb of Tow Top Hill. Congratulations to our King and Queen of the mountains who will both be receiving Wheelbase Gift Vouchers for their efforts…

King of the Mountains: Laurie Lambeth 4.38

Queen of the Mountains: Helen Jackson 6.52

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

Laurie Lambeth took the King of the Mountains title.

 

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

Helen Jackson took the Queen of the Mountains title.

 

The Courses

Short course map: http://www.mapmyride.com/gb/kendal-eng/le-petit-tour-of-staveley-2014-short-route-190001754

Long course map: http://www.mapmyride.com/gb/windermere-eng/le-tour-de-staveley-2014-long-course-route-30757232

 

 

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

Riders arrived back at Wheelbase HQ in Staveley to enjoy a post-race get together.

 

Wheelbase Tour De Staveley 2022

A Tour De France-themed meal at Wilf’s café and live race coverage at Hawkshead Brewery made a great way to end the ride.

 

Click here to see the Tour De Staveley Facebook album by James Vincent

Click here for photos from our on course photographer Dave Bradshaw of Sport Sunday 

Gallery one – out bound

Gallery two – return

Timings from T2 Events here.

 

A HUGE thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the Tour De Staveley such an enjoyable day of cycling and socialising; thank you to our logistical partners Kendal Cycling Club for assisting in the smooth running of the event. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Wheels for All charity; the Wheels for All initiative is a nationally recognised program that embraces all children and adults with disabilities and differing needs, to engage in a quality cycling activity. By using specially adapted cycles, the activities are both physically and mentally stimulating and above all fun for everyone involved.

Big thanks to Kendal Cycle Club Wheels for All and all the marshals and helpers – see you again in 2023

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Feature Photos by James Vincent

 

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