Five months on from the first Friends Life Women’s Tour, organisers were joined in Manchester by some of the venues and partners who made the inaugural race such a success.

Partners, sponsors and venue stakeholders of the 2014 Friends Life Women’s Tour were accompanied earlier this week by UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling rider Hannah Barnes and Great Britain track cyclist and double Junior World Champion Danni Khan for a day at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

The group arrived in the morning and where quickly whisked away by Great Britain cycling team’s Equipment Manager, Dave Parsons who took the group on a guided tour of the impressive facilities at the home of British Cycling, including the BMX track, the velodrome and an exclusive behind the scenes sneak-peek of the gymnasium and ‘Secret Squirrels Club’.

Dave was able to give an in depth understanding into the logistics and attention to detail that is required by his team to ensure that all the riders have exactly what they need to perform at the highest level, from bike preparation and development to nutrition and clothing.

If you want to find out more about Dave and his role at British Cycling with world leading equipment, then click here for a short video.

Both Hannah and Danni joined the tour answering questions and providing insight into two very different disciplines of cycling.

Hannah, who recently returned from riding in the World Road Race Championships for Great Britain, was an integral member of her team – UnitedHealthcare, during the 2014 Friends Life Women’s Tour, picking up third on the opening stage in Northampton and wearing the Matrix Fitness Best Young Rider jersey.

Danni, an up and coming track star and double Junior World Champion was able to talk through the physical development programme she followings as a young team GB track sprinter, before joining the group on the velodrome for their taster session.

Riders of all ability took to the track, with many not having ridden a fixed gear bike before, let alone tackling a 250 metre track with 42 ½ degree banking!

The experience was thoroughly enjoyed by all with everyone agreeing that it was a day to remember.
SweetSpot would like to give a special thanks to all those involved in making it a fantastic day.

And if you’d like to sample track cycling for yourself, find out more about booking a taster session at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester here.