A Cotswold company is gearing up to become the first sponsor of Cheltenham's first ever Festival of Cycling.

Cotswold Transport Planning, which is based in Cheltenham with regional offices in Bristol, is the first company to add their support and commitment to making this a memorable day in September at the end of the seventh stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.

It is hoped it will mark the start of a new era of cycling in the town.

Cabinet member for finance at Cheltenham Borough Council Cllr Rowena Hay says: "The festival creates a real opportunity to encourage people to get on their bikes and explore the area and we are keen to ensure that this isn't a one off event for the town."

The Cheltenham Festival of Cycling takes place on Saturday 9 September with a number of activities and events happening throughout the day including a dedicated KidsZone at Pittville Park, a Street Fair on the Promenade and then the Race Village and finish line at Imperial Gardens.

Managing Director of Cotswold Transport Planning Adam Padmore said: "As local residents ourselves, Cheltenham's festivals are of great importance to us and to have such an internationally renowned event finishing in the town is very special.

"As a business, promoting safe and sustainable travel is at the heart of what we do, and we will be working alongside Cheltenham Borough Council to maximise the event itself, but also to look at the legacy that we can generate from it, using our expertise to encourage more people to use cycling as an alternative method of transportation."

Director of planning Tracey Crews said: "Sponsors are critical to helping make the Cheltenham Festival of Cycling a success this year, and we hope make this a permanent part of the Cheltenham festival calendar.

"Sponsoring provides a great opportunity for you to engage in a whole town event, have fun with your employees and promote the opportunities for walking and cycling.

"We would love to hear from you to talk through the opportunities".

More information on sponsorship opportunities and corporate hospitality can be found on the website www.cheltenhamcyclingfestival.org.uk 

Picture: The Cotswold Transport Planning Group