Harrogate named as host for Cycle Expo Yorkshire later this year

Yorkshire is set to hold a major cycle expo later this year, which will see an anticipated 20,000 cycling enthusiasts visit the county.

Cycle Expo Yorkshire is due to roll into Harrogate later this year, adding to Yorkshire’s repertoire of international grade cycle events, including the Tour De France’s Grand Depart in 2014 and the now annual Tour de Yorkshire

The county has also secured the UCI Road World Championships in 2019, which is expected to bring record numbers of spectators to the region.

The Cycle Expo Yorkshire will take place at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) from 12-14 October 2018.

The event was launched via a joint venture between Welcome to Yorkshire and Leeds-based international marketing and events specialists, XSEM.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive at Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Yorkshire. Cyclists travel from far and wide to cycle on our iconic roads and Cycle Expo Yorkshire will further cement the region’s position as a hub for international cycling.

“Along with the Tour de Yorkshire and the UCI Road World Championships in 2019, Cycle Expo Yorkshire will continue to build on our cycling legacy attracting thousands of visitors. We have already had a great response from local cycle clubs and retailers alike, and hope the rest of the county can get behind us to support the event in true Yorkshire spirit.”

Charlotte Scoular, head of bike at XSEM, commented: “With its rich cycling heritage and success of previous events, Yorkshire is the perfect choice for the Cycle Expo. The YEC is one of the most prestigious events spaces in the UK and we are privileged to have the facilities and staff to make this an unforgettable experience for all two-wheel enthusiasts.

“As a proud Yorkshire company, we are delighted to be managing the Cycle Expo Yorkshire. It’s the passion of the people of Yorkshire that make events like this such a joy to organise.”

Within the YEC’s 250-acres of land, there will be a number of races and competitions covering all cycling disciplines, from a closed road circuit race, to a large Cyclocross event and an international pro-rider flatland competition.

The Cycle Expo Yorkshire will boast a number of demo areas, where enthusiasts can try the latest models from some of the industry’s biggest brands.

Cyclists will also be able to try conquering the Yorkshire hills and headwinds on the two eBike areas, where experts will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on choosing the right bikes and equipment.

Launched in 2009, Welcome to Yorkshire has played a major role in enabling Yorkshire’s visitor economy to grow from £5.9bn to £7bn, with the creation of an additional 4,000 jobs.

XSEM has a wealth of experience in managing events globally, more recently including conferences and exhibitions in New York, Portugal and London.