Cyclists gear up for biggest-ever Eden Classic

More than 1,000 riders are set to descend on the Eden Project this Sunday (May 13) to take part in the Eden Classic, Cornwall’s biggest cycling event.

Sign-ups for the fourth Eden Classic are the highest they have ever been but there is still time to register tomorrow (Saturday), or on the day to join in.

Riders are coming from across the country and overseas. They include club members from Launceston Velo, One and All Cycling Club, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Cycling Association, Wadebridge Coasters Cycling Club and YOGi Cycling.

All cyclists have a choice of challenging country and coastal routes from Eden then back to the home of the Biomes with a chance to refuel in beautiful locations on the way including the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

There is free entry for friends and family of Eden Classic riders to Eden throughout this weekend and to the Lost Gardens of Heligan on Sunday.

The Eden Classic sportive is a mass-participation cycle ride with a choice of three routes, ranging from a short yet challenging ride of 35 miles, a highly-popular middle distance of 62 miles and a long ride for the experienced cyclist of 100 miles.

Riders have the unique chance to pedal the length of Eden past the world-famous Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes as they start their challenging journey.

They ascend steep hairpin bends before taking a choice of three routes and then finishing back in the heart of Eden.

This year’s long ride is on a new route taking in the beauty spot Ruthernbridge on the River Ruthern and the hillside village of St Breock.

The Eden Classic is renowned for its top-quality food stops. The Lost Gardens of Heligan will be putting on their popular apricot, cranberry and coconut  miracle bars created by Heligan’s bakery as well as a gluten-free chestnut mushroom frittata and a mixed bean falafel bite suitable for vegans.

The 100-mile cyclists will also enjoy another food stop at the Waterside Cornwall holiday complex in Lanlivet.  All riders receive a free pasty back at Eden to celebrate completing their mission.

Eden Chief Executive Gordon Seabright said: “This looks set to be our most popular Eden Classic ever with more than a thousand cyclists taking part and the biggest-ever bike day in Cornwall.

“We are proud  to see how the event  is growing and is attracting cyclists from across the South West and beyond.”

Late registration for the Eden Classic will be available in the Gallery in Eden's Visitor Centre from 9.30am–4.30pm on Saturday May 12 and from 6-8.30am on Sunday May 13 in Eden's Banana Coach park.

There will be Eden Classic cycling jerseys made by Primal with a race-cut finish for sale throughout the day.

Cornwall Sports Massage Clinic will be offering massages and basic physical assessments. This service is not included in the registration fee.

For more information on the Eden Classic go to www.edenproject.com/edenclassic

See full details of ticket prices on www.edenproject.com