Pedal and Picnic into the cycling spirit in Warwick

The international cycle tour will pass through Warwick when it comes to the county on June 16.

And to help get the town in the sporting spirit, Warwickshire County Council has teamed up with expert riders to offer the Pedal and Picnic days in the run up to the big day.

The first family ride will leave from Shire Hall on Thursday, April 7. A second event will run on May 12, with a final cycle on June 9.

Groups will meet at 12.30pm, and 40 minute rides around Warwick will be led by a qualified leader, before taking in a picnic stop at St Nicholas Park.

All riders will be given a free goody bag.

The events hope to get more families involved in cycling ahead of the Women’s Tour which will see the world’s best female riders take on five days of gruelling racing across the UK.

World Champion Lizzie Armitstead and reigning Aviva Women’s Tour Champion Lisa Brennauer, will join 96 others to race through Warwickshire for the second stage of the tour.

The council has partnered with the University of Warwick to host the second stage of the tour, and want to help ensure the event is well supported with residents along the route.

Council leader, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said: “Warwickshire is giving its full support to the Aviva Women’s Tour and we are truly excited to welcome this significant event to our beautiful county.”

Follow #AvivaWT2016 on Twitter for the latest events, or visit Women’s Tour for updates.