School children across Oxfordshire have been inspired to cycle safety, get healthy, and be creative in readiness for the OVO Energy Women’s Tour coming to Oxfordshire this Wednesday 12 June.

Alexa Lee, aged 10, from Appleton Church of England Primary School (Abingdon), has the honour of starting the race… and she’ll be waving her very own flag! (see attached photo). She won this year’s design competition. The young artist’s design features a cloaked cyclist against a multi-coloured background.

Alexa said:

“I wanted my cyclist to be going fast. I found it challenging to draw the cyclist pedalling and came up with a cyclist in flying motion. It ended up looking like she has a cloak. Like she is whizzing by. I love it. I used bright colours because the race is very exciting for me and my school friends.”

Year five students at Charlbury Primary School have been inspired by the race coming through their town on Wednesday.
Beatrice Peters, 10, said: “My Dad really likes cycling and told me about the race. It is pretty cool and exciting that it is coming to Charlbury.

“It is a really good thing for women’s cycling.”

Ten-year-old Adelaide Butler added: “I really like women’s football and it’s great to see a special women’s cycle race. I can’t wait to see them.”

Pupils at the school recently underwent Bikeability training which helps them cycle safely and with confidence.

School Business Manager, Catriona Pitt, said: “This is a really positive event for the children and sends out a fantastic message to both girls and boys.

“It encourages them to be more active and engaged in cycling and we intend to be really involved on the day.”

The race will finish at Blenheim Palace, where British Cycling is running activities for Bladon Primary, Woodstock Primary and Edward Feild Primary.

Children will get to ride a pump-track, a grass course and some pupils will get to take part in sprint races over the finish line.

Pupils from Marlborough School will also be cycling to the palace and then cycling down the finishing straight.

The activities will be set up around the finish area and take place from 10:30am – 1:30pm before the arrival of Stage three.

Other school children along the race route, between Henley-on-Thames and Blenheim Palace, are expected to cheer-on the pro cyclists as they pass through their towns and villages.

For further information about the OVO Energy Women’s Tour in Oxfordshire, including the route and timings for Wednesday, please click here.