Council ‘extremely disappointed’ after cycling event cancelled due to …
West Northamptonshire Council[1] (WNC) has said it is “extremely disappointed” at the news that the prestigious Women’s Tour cycling event has been cancelled due to a lack of sponsorship support. The race organisers said on Friday the event, akin to a women’s Tour de France in the UK, would be ‘impossible to deliver’ this June.
WNC previously said West Northamptonshire was set to be “a world-class sporting venue” when it welcomed the Women’s Tour on June 8 for its second leg. The race was due to begin in Northampton before travelling through Daventry, Towcester and Brackley.[2][3][4][5][6]
But race organisers SweetSpot announced this summer’s tour has been postponed[7] after running costs increased by 20% and failure to find finding a vehicle partner to replace Skoda as sponsor. A three-week crowdfunding campaign was held but failed to raise enough money to keep the award-winning competition afloat.
The Women’s Tour, which is televised globally, was due to be the centerpiece of WNC’s summer of sport and wellbeing events. Residents, businesses, and schools were all encouraged to get involved in celebrating and taking part in the events.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to securing future opportunities and bring national sporting events to the area following the announcement on Friday. Its statement said it will continue to strengthen West Northants’ “reputation as a world-class sporting venue.”
Cllr Adam Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure, said: “Whilst we are extremely disappointed we will not be hosting the Women’s Tour this summer for reasons beyond our control, it was an honour to be one of just nine locations chosen to take part.
“West Northamptonshire Council is committed to doing everything possible to encourage and promote increased participation in sport – particularly by women and girls, and we will continue to strive to bring world-class events to our area as we build a legacy for future generations and establish West Northants as a destination for sporting excellence.
Cllr Adam Brown said WNC “will continue to strive to bring world-class events to our area” (Image: WNC)
“We will also be looking at repurposing funding for other cycling and sporting initiatives which play an important role in bringing communities together and inspiring people to take up sport and live a more active and healthier lifestyle.”
Since its inauguration in 2014, the Women’s Tour has led the way in the fight towards gender equality in sport and generated over £55m for the UK economy. It has also partnered with Breast Cancer Now in the past and showcased the best of Britain’s best towns, cities and countryside.
SweetSpot thanked everyone who donated to the crowdfunding effort for their “unwavering loyalty”. All those who donated will receive a refund, overseen by the GoFundMe platform.
Next year’s tournament is still set to go ahead, marking the 10th anniversary of the inaugural Tour with Wales to host the event’s Grand Départ. It is not known whether Northamptonshire will be part of the route.
Get the latest and breaking news from Northamptonshire by signing up for our newsletter here.[9]
References
- ^ West Northamptonshire Council (www.northantslive.news)
- ^ West Northamptonshire (www.northantslive.news)
- ^ Northampton (www.northantslive.news)
- ^ Daventry (www.northantslive.news)
- ^ Towcester (www.northantslive.news)
- ^ Brackley. (www.northantslive.news)
- ^ SweetSpot announced this summer’s tour has been postponed (www.womenstour.co.uk)
- ^ Free school buses for reception children to be scrapped (www.northantslive.news)
- ^ signing up for our newsletter here. (data.reachplc.com)