CTC’s well-established York Rally and the new National Cycling Festival will
come together to create Europe’s largest cycling show. The event will mark
the end of the Millennium Festival of Cycling and ex Olympic Champion and
Tour de France Stage winner, Chris Boardman will be one of the many
attractions.

50,000 people are expected to flood York on the 23rd – 25th June to enjoy
this all-things cycling Finale. Young or old, athlete or couch potato, there
will be a whole host of cycling and non-cycling displays, events and
‘hands-on’ exhibits to entertain you.

The fun begins on Friday (23rd) when the Opening Parade led by a
rickshaw-seated Lord Mayor of York, is escorted by two riders from the
professional cycle racing team, TravelWise and York school children.
Leading hundreds of riders onto The Knavesmire, the Lord Mayor will
officially open the Rally and the National Cycling Festival.

Chris Boardman will lead the Sunday Cycle Parade through the streets of York
accompanied by vintage bikes and cycling families, after which he’ll sign
copies of his latest book at the CTC stand.

The three-day finale show, which is supported by City of York Council, will
mark the end of a highly successful Millennium Festival of Cycling. The
Festival has created around 4,000 events across the UK. The Festival is part
funded by a Millennium Commission Lottery Grant and is part of The
Millennium Festivities.

At the Grande Finale, the Rally arena will host cycling racing, ranging from
national championships to competitions for children and the National Schools
Championship run by the British Schools Cycling Association (BSCA). Cycle
celebrities such as Tour de France
commentator Phil Liggett and author Josie Dew will also be available
alongside jazz bands, pub rides and free children’s events.

The Festival schedule promises to be equally exciting, packed with
attractions ranging from bungee jumping, unicycling jugglers and fairground
rides to the highly skilled Mountain Bike Air Display (M.A.D.) Team. In
addition, there will be exhibition stands from leading industry names such
as Raleigh/Diamond Back, Saracen and Madison Cycles, technical advisors on
cycle maintenance and bicycle set up, a special health and fitness area,
plus advice for women by women on how to get the most from their bike. And
if that’s not enough, Minster FM will be broadcasting live from the Festival
so you can either chill out to the music or crack on with the festivities!