Thanks to Worcester City Council, Push Bike!’s latest What’s On Guide to Cycling Events Around Worcestershire 2018 has just come back from the printers.

You can get a free copy from the tourist information office in Worcester or bike shops. It can also be downloaded from the county council website by Googling ‘Worcestershire Cycling What’s On’.

This year Worcestershire will host three national cycling events.

For the seventh year the increasingly popular Tour Series of professional town centre races returns to Redditch on Thursday, May 10. It will feature all of the top UK male and female teams and include some of Britain’s best-known international stars.

For the first time, on Saturday, June 16, Worcestershire will host a stage of the Women’s Tour. It is Britain’s largest professional female cycling race and attracts some of the best international as well as UK riders.

The final route has still to be announced but almost all of it will take place in Wychavon with a start in Evesham and plans to pass through or close to Pershore and Droitwich. The finish will be in Worcester where Push Bike! volunteers are working with the City Council on planning a whole day of activities and entertainment.

Finally, on Sunday, October 28, the local Worcester St John’s Cycle Club is working with the Wyre Forest Cycle Club and Midland Automobile Club to host the national cycling hill climb championships on the Shelsley Walsh circuit.

For those who prefer to take part rather than watch there is a range of charity rides. Those with Worcester starts include: Ride for Rory on Sunday, April 22. A sponsored 18 or 57 mile ride between Worcester and Redditch hospitals to raise funds for a prostate cancer surgical robot.

The St Richard’s Bikeathon makes a welcome return on Sunday, July 1. This popular charity event starts from St Richard’s Hospice and offers three excellent routes of 16, 45 and 64 miles heading out towards Bredon Hill and the Cotswolds.

The second Evans Cycles Worcester Sportive starts from Worcester Racecourse on Sunday, September 23, with 30, 45 and 70 mile options available.

Full details on all the 30 events listed can be found through the weblinks provided in the What’s On Guide.