Pennine Events - Case Study - Great Manchester Cycle

Event Outline

Gmc5 The Great Manchester Cycle was the first urban closed road sportive and attracted the largest paid entry to a sportive held in this country when it was first held in 2012. This was the culmination of nearly two years of research and planning from when we were first approached by Nova International, the country's biggest mass participation company and the company behind the Great North Run and Great Swim series.

Gmc2 An annual event, the Great Manchester Cycle is a mass participation cycle ride involving up to 8000 participants over a number of laps (depending on ability) on a 13 mile closed road circuit, starting and finishing at Sportcity at the Etihad Stadium and taking in the most iconic sights of Manchester, including Old Trafford. The event has three distance options which take place at different times throughout the day: 52miles; 26miles and 13miles.

This concept of closed roads and multiple distance options taking place at distinct times means it caters for cyclists of all abilities and ages, including children. The rider profile encompasses a wide cross section of the community and with a varying range of experience from a first time event rider to regular, serious cyclists.

Gmc7 Olympic Gold medallist, Joanna Rowsell was amongst those on the start line, along with a team of stars from Emmerdale, to tackle the 2013 event. The 13-mile circuit took in several districts of Manchester, allowing riders the chance to see the city on two wheels from an entirely new perspective. It also included the unique opportunity to ride a section of the Mancunian Way - normally strictly off limits to cyclists.

The key message for the event is about mass participation. The Great Manchester Cycle joined a full programme in the city that includes the UK's most popular 10k, the Bupa Great Manchester Run and the British Gas Great Manchester Swim.

Gmc6 The Event Village at Sportcity includes retailers, food and drink, entertainment, big screen, mechanics, displays and various activities. There is a major service station at Old Trafford Stadium featuring ride refreshments, mechanics and entertainment in front of the iconic football ground.

Client

Pennine Events work on behalf of and for Nova International to organise the Great Manchester Cycle.

Gmc4 Nova approached Pennine Events due to our background and expertise in cycling events right across the spectrum from top level races through to mass participation rides and community events.

Event Aims / Objectives

To set the benchmark for closed road cycling events
To get as many people taking part as possible
To promote cycling

Event Report, Quotes and Testimonials

Within hours of finishing the 2013 ride, many participants took to Twitter and Facebook to say that they had already signed up for next year.

Gmc1 "This year's event was a huge success and we'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made it possible and to each of the 8,000 riders who took part. While the ride is only just behind us, we're already really excited for next year and have been blown away by the number of entries so far!"

Jamie Still, Project Manager, Nova

"Having fully closed roads is a massive luxury as a cyclist; it's absolutely brilliant! It's quite a unique thing to go on a motorway as well. The route is fantastic going over the Mancunian Way and being able to see the main road beneath you. It's just fantastic to see so many people out on their bikes - I couldn't believe how many people there were!"

Joanna Rowsell MBE, Olympic Gold Medalist

"Pennine Events worked tirelessly and professionally to ensure the event was successfully and safely delivered. We have continued to engage their services since the first event and are happy to endorse their services and professionalism"

Nigel Gough, Operations Director, Nova International.

"The Great Manchester Cycle was a brilliant event last year and it was fantastic to see so many cyclists lining up ready to go - and just a stone's throw away from our offices! We're incredibly grateful to our members and wanted to give those taking part the best event experience on the day, offering a unique opportunity to lead out the thousands of riders with nothing but clear roads ahead."

Gavin Finch, Head of Marketing at British Cycling

The 2013 event had an extensive 8 page write up in the Daily Mirror and received coverage via various news channels, national papers and a feature on BBC North West Tonight.