The Event

In 2008 BIKE BLENHEIM PALACE established itself as the most exciting new cycling event in the country. Over 4000 people either took part or came along to watch as elite cyclists, enthusiasts young and old, and families took to the oak-lined roads of Blenheim Park. This unique event has something for everyone from the competitive cycling fanatic to families looking for somewhere spectacular and safe to ride their bikes.

In 2009 BIKE BLENHEIM PALACE is set to be an even more exciting event. We will once again be opening up Blenheim Park to cyclists for what will be a once-per-year opportunity. There will be new races, new routes and an opportunity to raise money for our chosen charity partner, Have a Heart. We will also be teaming up with British Cycling who will be promoting the event as part of their Everyday Cycling campaign.

Programme

6.00 am Gates open and Time Trial course available for warm up
7.30 am Event Village opens
8.00 am Sportif Starts
8.15 am Time Trials start
12.00 pm Brompton World Championship
12.45 pm Routes open to general public
1.00 pm Cyclocross starts
10.00 am - 5.00pm ongoing demonstrations in Arena
6.00 pm Event closes


Preliminary programme subject to change

The Event Village

The whole day is based around an event village and it is from here that all of the cycling routes start and finish. With the stunning setting and plenty of space, this is an excellent opportunity for retailers and exhibitors to promote themselves whilst spectators and participants relax and enjoy some food and drink prior to or following the cycling.  Throughout the day, as an additional attraction, we are offering a programme of shows and demonstrations that will be taking place in a main arena, centrally located within the event village.  These will include vintage bikes, bike polo championships, a mountain bike stunt team and British Cycling's 'Go Ride' cycle skills for children, The Company of Cyclists, retailers and exhibitors all of which add to the atmosphere and enjoyment of the day.

Bike Polo

Bike polo over the last few years has been given an injection of fresh new energy with the growth of the urban scene, fuelled by London staging the European Hardcourt Championships earlier this year. Some of the strongest teams from the UK's urban game have been invited to Bike Blenheim this year to show case this exciting sport in a Special Blenheim Invitational Grass Tournament. The games will be short and action packed leaving plenty of time for tutored public sessions where you can borrow a bike, brandish a mallet and get a flavour of what it's all about.

The tournament games start at 9.30am with public sessions available at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

To view images click here

To view a video click here

The Venue

Blenheim Palace is home to 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Set in 2,100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, Formal Gardens and the magnificent lake. Click here to visit the Blenheim Palace website.