A celebration of cycling in Peterborough

Intriguing in the first word that springs to mind when thinking about tonights event in Peterborough.

For too many years the Peterborough and Fenland Clarion cycling clubs have operated in parallel coming together a couple of times a year to promote an early season time trial and end of season hill climb.

For the rest of the season they both operate inter club and open events on the same roads at different times. There is a mid season 10 series called the "Hereward League", which is based on a number of the other local clubs hosting an event along with PCC and FCCC.

Those other local clubs such as St Neots, St Ives, Bourne and Spalding all contribute greatly to our local 'scene' and will be in attendance tonight along with a guest of honour from the UK domestic pro scene.

Each club will deliver a presentation on its aims and objectives to share common ground and to help our region be the one that supports the next British grand tour sensation.

I have been a member of both Peterborough and Fenland over my two decades in the sport and at times, its fair to say that whilst never openly hostile, there has been an element of local rivalry.

My colours are now firmly yellow and red for Clarion, and I always like the competitive element of riding events against our other local clubs. But I believe I am wise enough to see the bigger picture for our sport. Will we all be able to break bread tonight and come out of a nice meeting with a clearer plan for cycling in Peterborough?

I will let you know tomorrow