Two-wheeled stunt shows, a pedal-powered cinema and a cycle skills track are among the attractions on offer on Thursday when Aberdeen city centre hosts a cycling spectacular to mark the latest visit of the OVO Energy Tour Series.
Elite riders will go head to head on a 1.3km circuit, with the women’s race starting at 5.30pm and the men in action from 7pm.
Thousands of people lined the streets in 2017 and 2018 to watch the international field race – with a refreshed route for 2019 promising to deliver another fast-paced evening of top-level competition.
The series is televised worldwide and this year will have new landmarks as a backdrop, with Marischal College and the Town House featuring on the route.
Four activity zones around the course will offer a range of hands-on activities as well as performances, with Scottish Cycling age group races featuring local riders also running from noon.
Marischal Square will host a face painter and the Tour Series merchandise stall as well as interactive cycle activities including the Sustrans pedal-powered cinema, an Aberdeen University smoothie bike and also the Get About and Air Quality stalls.
At St Nicholas Street, the Clan stunt show will feature head-to-head competition between two trial stars, with performances at 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
On Union Bridge, visitors will also be able to tackle a bike obstacle course or try the climbing wall and, around the route, there will be walkabout street acts as well as Graham Benson’s demonstration on an array of bikes – including a penny farthing.
Council culture spokeswoman Marie Boulton said: “The OVO Energy Tour Series has created a fantastic atmosphere over the past two years and we are looking forward to welcoming the teams and spectators on Thursday.”
“The support of the public has been key to the success of the new events introduced in recent years and we thank everyone who has played a part.”
