THE first-ever Worcester Primary Schools bicycle hill climb took place at the city’s Fort Royal Park.

Worcester St John’s Cycling Club joined forces with Friends of Fort Royal Park, Women on Wheels, and local cycling advocacy group Bike Worcester, to set a number of hill climb challenges in the historic park on Sunday. 

Parents, spectators and young riders from schools in and around the city came armed with cow bells and pots and pans to bang to encourage children aged two to 12 to push hard on the pedals to tackle the progressively harder routes to the summit: Col de Fort Royalé.

At the Wyld’s Lane entrance to the park a skills area featuring ramps, slaloms and a limbo pole was set up, and a short grass warm-up track.

There then followed routes up the East and West faces, a steep and technical route taking on the path through the playground, and finally an energy sapping off road climb, testing the power, stamina and bike handling skills of the young riders.  Paul Sobczyk, of St John’s Cycling Club was thrilled with the success of the event. “I can’t believe how well the children performed. Some of the routes are a challenge for seasoned adults; the climbs were as tough as any around!

“It’s a been a wonderful day, and I’m already planning and looking forward to the next event here.”

Dan Brothwell, of Bike Worcester, said: “This has been fantastic, and loads of fun. The park is perfect for an event such as this, a real jewel in the crown of Worcester, and thanks to the park staff and Friends of Fort Royal for being wonderful hosts.’

Samuel, aged seven, of St George’s CE Primary School, successfully conquered all four courses: “It felt so good when I got to the top, I just wanted to do it again!”

For more on St John’s Cycling Club, Women on Wheels and Bike Worcester, visit the websites below, as well as social media. Friends of Fort Royal Park can be found on Facebook.

https://wsjcc.co.uk/

https://women-on-wheels.co.uk/

https://bikeworcester.org.uk/