To celebrate the second stage of Le Tour de France coming to the borough in July, Rochdale Borough Council is making a total of £20,000 available for local groups to make the visit of the sporting spectacular even more memorable.
Community groups and local event organisers can now apply for funding from the council to support events or activities that will help to showcase the borough either before, during or after the weekend of the race.
To be eligible, groups or organisations should put forward activities which will help to mark the historic visit of the tour to Rochdale. The council is particularly interested in ideas that encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote participation in sport, as well as activities that appeal to a wide range of people. To encourage a lasting legacy they are also looking to support groups to run activities that will encourage new members.
Grant applications must be received by the closing date of 12 May. For more details on the guidance and how to apply visit www.rochdale.gov.uk
Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“The visit of Le Tour de France to Rochdale this summer is going to be a fantastic occasion. The key for us is to make sure we celebrate the day, but also help to support local events to ensure the impact of the race spreads far and wide. This is why we are providing £20,000 of funding. If you are a community group or organisation based in the borough and have an event which is linked to cycling or the race, we would like to hear from you. Events don’t just have to be on 6 July, we are keen to look at all ideas for before or after the Sunday too. We hope the money will help to make event or celebrations happen, so please get in touch.”
On Sunday 6 July around a kilometre of the route passes into Rochdale – along a section of B6138 and the A58 adjacent to Blackstone Edge Reservoir, during Stage 2 from York to Sheffield.
The route includes a sharp bend which will slow the tour down and maximise viewing opportunities. Thousands of spectators are expected and it will take more than an hour and a half for the racing cyclists, support teams and media to pass through.
More details on the route and information for spectators can be found at www.rochdale.gov.uk
Although only 1 km of the race is in Rochdale, the stretch is recognised as being one of the most fascinating sections of the route and is the culmination of the longest continuous hill climb in England.
22 Apr 2014