Ottery St Mary: School mini hill-climb cycling event returns after Covid hiatus

Pupils from Ottery St Mary Primary School took part in a hill-climb cycling event in the town yesterday (Tuesday 7 June).

Inspired by the Tour of Britain, the event has previously been held each year, but not during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesperson from the Ottery St Mary Friends of Phyllis Baxter Action Group said: "The legacy of the Tour of Britain gave birth to many cycling events in Ottery St Mary after coming to the town twice within the space of two years.

"One of those events was the 'King & Queen of the Mountain' on Chineway Hill but as well as the yearly hill climb since 2018, the cycling celebration grew to try and increase the involvement of children, with a demonstration by the Exeter Cycle Speedway team at the Land of Canaan car park in the town, and mini-races for over-10s.

"It was such a success that we were asked to put on a cycling event at the primary school and that has continued every year since, except during the Covid pandemic, with around 80 or 90 pupils taking part.

"It's important to help youngsters to get out and do something. It's another event for those who might not be involved in playing football or other activities, it gets them involved with others and they're getting exercise."