Cycling Escort for Olympic Torch

Wheeling in an extra dimension to the Olympic Torch Relay, City of York Council is selecting some 200 cyclists from the community to escort the Torch on 19 June.

The route includes Tadcaster Road

York is only one of two hosting authorities to be granted permission to add a cycle escort to the relay by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) – the other is Cambridge.

The cycle escort will be stewarded by council cycle trainers, and will pedal behind the main Torch convoy along Tadcaster Road before splitting away from it at Micklegate Bar.

The cyclists will then pedal to the Knavesmire to enjoy the fantastic evening event from 5pm starring singer Katy B which follows an afternoon of free sports and activities from 2pm including sports demonstrations and interactive stands offering tasters of activities such as basketball, cheer-leading, table tennis and equestrian activities.

Working with the police and partners at York College and local cycling groups, this escort promises to add another wow-factor to the relay which aims to reach as many people in the UK as possible. It also means that the Torch’s journey in York will involve bikes, horses and trains: important aspects of the city’s culture.

Members of the escort will be selected from local cycling clubs or groups and will be awarded as prizes for the York Cycle Challenge.