The Grand Shaftesbury Triathlon Run Festival is to host a hand bike event for the first time next month.
The Festival, hosted by Nicholas Ashley Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, takes place over the weekend of 15 May with hundreds of competitors taking part across all the disciplines.
Lord Shaftesbury said:
“Having suffered a spinal cord injury myself, I thought it very appropriate that we host a hand cycling event over the Festival. I almost lost the use of my legs back in 2009 so I have an understanding of what these incredible athletes have to go through.”
The Festival takes place in the picturesque grounds of Lord Shaftesbury’s estate, St Giles House in Wimborne St Giles, Dorset. Wings for Life is the main charity partner for which Lord Shaftesbury is an ambassador.
Road closures for the event have been granted by Dorset County Council, ensuring safety as well as speed for all cyclists.
The Festival kicks off on the Friday when competitors and their families set up camp in the grounds of St Giles House, where there will be an opportunity to meet Lord Shaftesbury with a pasta party launching the festivities. The triathlons and hand bike event take place on the Saturday in various categories.
The triathlon has the traditional categories of novice, sprint and standard as well as children’s category. The handcyclists have a choice of two routes, a 32km mixed route (on and off-road) and road event which is 33km.
Managing Director of Try Tri Events, Chris Rees, said: “To be able to be a part of such a great event is a real honour. We have athletes of all abilities coming to our events, and to now have para-athletes involved as well, it really sums up what Try Tri is all about.”
Lastly, the traditional Grand Shaftesbury Run takes place on the Saturday with a half marathon, 10km and a children’s 1km fun run.
For further information visit: grandtrirun.com or trytri.co.uk
