Route revealed for Let's Ride Southampton cycling festival

British Cycling, HSBC UK and Southampton City Council have confirmed the route which thousands of locals will take as they pedal their way through the city for annual cycling festival HSBC UK Let’s Ride on Sunday 21 July.

The free-to-attend event gets underway inside St Mary’s Stadium at 11am, with live music and a host of family friendly activities taking place on the 6.25km course. Finishing at 3pm, with a shorter loop on offer for those looking for a different circuit to ride, participants are invited to cycle the course as many – or as few – times as they wish at their own pace.

Attractions along the HSBC UK Let’s Ride route and festival zone include food and drink stalls, live music, a stunt show, face painting, and children’s learn to ride programme HSBC UK Ready Set Ride.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Southampton played host to a fantastic event last year, and we’ve worked hard - alongside Southampton City Council and local businesses and attractions - to ensure that HSBC UK Let’s Ride Southampton will again be a truly enjoyable, free and family-friendly day out which showcases the best of the city and the real benefits of cycling.”

Luke Harper, head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling, added:

“Taking part in an HSBC UK Let’s Ride event is a great opportunity to get on a bike around Southampton without traffic, seeing its landmarks from a completely different viewpoint.

“These events provide a great day out for families, those who want to get back on their bike after allowing it to collect dust at home, or for the more regular or serious bike user who wants to try something a bit more relaxed. Plus, you will be doing your bit to help create a greener, fitter, healthier Britain.”