Friday November 20th saw a thrilling grand final to the 2015 Wheels in Motion inter-business cycling championship, held at the Derby velodrome.
Since May, the event has attracted support from some of Derby’s biggest and best known businesses, including Rolls Royce, Bowmer & Kirkland, Bombardier, Cooper Parry and Smith Cooper to name but a few.
Specifically Wheels In Motion raised awareness of two Cycle Derby initiatives – 1-2-1 adult cycle training, and its free cycle maintenance courses. The ultimate objective being to get more people in Derby cycling more often.
The event took the form of a 250 meter sprint (equal to one lap of the velodrome) on roller mounted pro track bikes against the clock, with businesses able to enter both male and female categories. Once a business had set their fastest time it was entered onto a digital leaderboard, and they were asked to nominate and challenge another Derby business.
The events proved both great fun and also extremely competitive, as riders tried to outdo both colleagues and business competitors.
The grand final saw Office Care’s Vici Blann lift the female title with a time of 13.057 seconds and Ashley Blakemore from Derby College crowned champion in the male category with 11.528. Both were presented with a £500 voucher for Park Bikeworks in Derby.
Office Care team principle (and Vici’s boss!), Martin Booth was amongst the assembled crowds of supporters to cheer his rider on, commenting afterwards:
“The Wheels In Motion challenge has been great fun for many businesses over the summer, helping through sport to show what a diverse and friendly business community we have in Derby which is unlike any other. Cycle Derby are playing a fine role in helping people in the city stay safe whilst enjoying cycling and raising money for charities such as Macmillan.
“From a personal perspective I am delighted for Vici to have won the cycle challenge. We saw today what makes her such a valuable member of our team, she is so focused on winning with amazing drive and energy…. and she doesn’t steal my chocolate!”
Throughout the competition businesses have kindly donated to Cycle Derby’s chosen charity Macmillan, who were presented with a cheque for over £500.00.