Etape Pennines Event
A MAJOR cycling event has been axed because it has not generated enough interest to continue.
Today, (Wednesday, November 19) sponsors and organisers IMG Challenger World (IMG), confirmed The Marie Curie Cancer Etape Pennines Event would not be taking place in 2015.
The 60-mile route, which sees more than 2,000 cyclists take on the roads of Teesdale and Weardale after starting in Barnard Castle, has been held for the last three years.
This year’s event, held on July 20, also came under fire by farmers and residents who said necessary road closures would harm tourism and disrupt haymaking after it was moved from October to the first week of the summer holidays.
Weardale county councillor, John Shuttleworth, said: “It’s an event that people do follow, but then some people don’t – something else will come along. I have had mixed comments about it so I would say it’s 50/50.”
However, Richard Varcoe, owner of Barnard Castle business, Spitfire Cycles, said: “There’s been too much pushback locally so maybe the organisers have had enough.
“It’s extremely bad for the businesses because it brings 2,000 people to the area, some of which are here for three days, so all the accommodation fills up. It’s the farmers that are complaining about it because for one day of the year they cannot trunk around in their tractors.”
IMG said it was sorry to announce that it would not be happening for a fourth year.
Managing director, James Robinson, said: “Etape Pennines has been a fantastic project to be involved with and we are proud to have given many cyclists the chance to ride this fantastic, beautiful route over the last three years.
“It is disappointing that this event will not be taking place in 2015, and we would like to thank the local community and County Durham for all of their support over the last few years.”
Durham County Council previously said the event brought in about £235,000 to the economy last year.
Nigel Dodds, strategic manager of culture and sport at Durham County Council, said: “We are disappointed to lose the Etape Pennines which we believe introduced many people to the stunning beauty and visitor offer of the Dales.
“However we understand and respect IMG’s decision.
“Being part of the etape from its concept has allowed us to gather a wealth of experience which we will now use to enrich the range of cycling events which the county has a growing reputation for hosting.”
Via Northern Echo -Major Cycle Event Etape Pennines Gets Axed
Deerness Valley Cycling 