Milk Race returns to Nottingham in 2014
Legendary cycling event The Milk Race is to return again in 2014 after a triumphant comeback last year.
The event, which was brought back in 2013 by The Dairy Council and the Milk Marketing Forum after a 20 year hiatus, will take place for the second year running in Nottingham on Sunday 25 May as a major city centre race.
For 2014, The Milk Race will once again be a key event in the British sporting calendar and will constitute both an elite women’s race and an elite men’s race on the same day, alongside a full day’s festival of cycling for all the family.
Last year, 60,000 spectators saw Olympic gold medalist Dani King and Rapha Condor JLT’s Felix English join The Milk Race’s Hall of Fame by becoming victorious in the women’s and men’s elite events.
Dairy Council chairman Sandy Wilkie said: “The Milk Race was a huge success last year and was enjoyed immensely by the elite cyclists and everyone who came down to watch and support. The aim now is to make this year even bigger and better. There are plenty of opportunities for the people of Nottingham to get involved – alongside the entertainment and dairy delights on offer in The Milk Race Village, the public rides will give local cycling enthusiasts the chance to navigate the same course as the elite riders.
“The link between milk and sport, particularly cycling, has gone from strength to strength over the past four years through the establishment of the celebrity ‘make mine Milk’ campaign, which has included Olympic champion cyclists Ed Clancy, Laura Trott and Dani King. It is therefore a perfect partnership for what promises to be a tremendous second year for the new Milk Race in Nottingham this May.”
Already confirmed for this year’s race is multi gold medal Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, along with her team The Madison Boot Out Breast Cancer Cycling Team. On taking part in 2014, Dame Sarah said: “I am very excited to see The Milk Race return to Nottingham for 2014. It was a superb event in 2013 recapturing the excitement of the event from its previous format. This year I am excited to be riding with my new road team and I look forward to seeing the amazing crowds that watched the event in 2013. A huge thanks to everyone who has worked to bring us this superb event again.”
Also confirmed for 2014 is last year’s Milk Race men’s elite champion, Felix English. On returning again this year, Felix said: “As the current men’s Milk Race champion, it’s brilliant that the event is returning again in May. The atmosphere last year in Nottingham was fantastic so I can’t wait to race the circuit once again.”
The 2014 elite races will once again be directed by former world champion Tony Doyle MBE, who was also a founder of the Tour of Britain in 1994 and was President of the British Cycling Federation in 1996.
Nottingham was chosen as the location of The Milk Race for the second year running as it played a huge part in the success of last year’s event. The city also has a long standing heritage in cycling – it houses the headquarters of leading brand Raleigh – and maintains an outstanding commitment to community cycling.
Councillor David Trimble of Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re proud of our reputation as a bike friendly city, as well as our continued commitment and investment in community cycling. The return of The Milk Race is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Nottingham, both to watch and be entertained by this great event, and also to get involved in cycling in a friendly, fun atmosphere.”
Further information about the 2014 Milk Race can be found at www.themilkrace.com and additional details of the event will be unveiled over the coming weeks. Registration for family and advanced rides will open mid March.
