HOT on the heels of Farnham Maltings’ first cycling festival in 2016, this year’s event is being held on the same day as the well-established Farnham Bike Ride and promises to be an exciting town-wide celebration of cycling.

There will be something to appeal to all types of rider on Sunday, July 2, from youngsters on balance bikes to those who commute on two wheels, to serious racers – and everything in between.

The Velo Village at the Maltings will feature a marketplace featuring products, kit and ideas from established brands in the bike industry alongside newer companies and local enterprises.

There will be a schedule of talks and workshops delivered by experts and stallholders, a film programme, and the opportunity for children to participate in short sessions run by British Cycling coaches.

Festival visitors will have the chance to:

• Take a demo bike for a short accompanied ride.

• Browse the cycle jumble for that elusive or discontinued component.

• Go head-to-head with friends in roller racing competitions.

• Watch cycling films in the Tindle Studio.

• See Wyndymilla Kids Go Ride Club in action.

• Have a haircut or beard trim in the pop-up barber shop.

• Talk to local bike clubs and organisations to find out what they offer.

• Catch stage two (Düsseldorf/Liège) of the Tour de France in the Barley Room.

The programme continues into the afternoon with the Hoops Velo Hill Climb at 4pm, when the first rider will set off from the foot of Firgrove Hill to pit themselves against the clock.

With prizes not only for age and gender categories but also for the fastest team and fastest riders of vintage, folding and mountain bikes, this will be an exciting event for participants and spectators alike.

The day’s activities will draw to a close with a thrilling spectacle of racing for up to 120 licensed riders on a closed-road circuit of the town.

Town centre races or ‘criteriums’ are notorious for their fast and furious pace and the potential for supporters to get close to the action.

The short circuit and its tight turns will test the riders’ racecraft and bike handling skills to the maximum.

Event listings details (all Sunday, July 2):

• Farnham Bike Ride and Sportive - From 8am, Castle Street. Details at www.farnhambikeride.org.uk.

• Festival Velo Village at Farnham Maltings - 10am to 4pm, admission £5 (under 15s free). Half price admission to those who have ridden in the Farnham Bike Ride – just bring your number with you.

• Cycle Jumble in the Velo Village - 10am to 1pm. Sellers’ tables £12 (includes festival entry for two people). Enquiries to [email protected].

• Hoops Velo Hill Climb - First rider off 4pm from the foot of Firgrove Hill. £5 in advance, details on festival website www.farnhamfestivalofcycling.org

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• Pedal Heaven Farnham Town Centre Races - Women’s race (2nd/3rd/4th Cat) at 5.30pm and Men’s race (3rd cat) at 6.30pm. Entries in advance, details on festival website www.farnhamfestivalofcycling.org.