Top Cycling Spots in Eastbourne

With cycling becoming more and more popular, racing on the increase and Eastbourne having fantastic scenic routes, it seems the perfect place for a cycling break!

The Tour of Sussex race is also just around the corner from 4 - 6 July. Split into stages, the race covers Sussex, starting in Ninfield and finishing in Eastbourne.

Cycle racing and cycling in general is still on the increase after huge British success in the Tour de France over the last two seasons, with Chris Froome winning the Tour de France 2013 and Sir Bradley Wiggins amazing bumper year winning the Tour de France and Olympic Gold in 2012. The sport has had amazing coverage and continues to grow in the public eye.

This year will see the second Tour of Sussex Cycle race with an extended program. On Friday 4 July at 7pm, time trials will take place at Ninfield, which will be a spectacle to watch as teams of riders work together to achieve the fastest time.

The following day, cyclists will start in Lewes at 9.30am and race through Laughton via Ringmer and The Broyle.

When arriving in Eastbourne, cyclists will take individual time trials on upper Dukes Drive onto Beachy Head at 5.30pm.

To finish the event on Sunday the route will commence from Eastbourne and finish in Beachy Head. The final stage is renowned for being tough and is sure to sort the men from the boys!

2014 is a great year for cycling in Eastbourne with the Tour of Britain passing through on 13 September and great opportunities for cyclists to take on. Many hotels offer sports areas, wet clothing area and provide the perfect healthy breakfast before heading out for a day of cycling.

Top cycling spots:

• South Downs Way - 100 mile scenic route through national park to Winchester begins in Eastbourne
• Cuckoo Trail - a former railway line, this flat tarmac route meanders through pretty Sussex countryside, from Eastbourne to Heathfield.
• Abbots Wood - set in 360 hectares of mixed woodland with picnic area, lake and cycling permitted on all surface paths. Great for bluebells in Spring!
• Castles Circular - discover Pevensey Castle, a site of the Norman 1066 invasion, the 15th Century moated Herstmonceux Castle and historic telescopes at The Observatory on the circular route through the Pevensey levels.
• Cuckmere Valley - hire a bike from Seven Sisters Cycle Co. and cycle the meandering River Cuckmere right down to the beach - the picture postcard setting at the end of the film Atonement.

For more information go to Visiteastbourne.com