Swindon & Wiltshire News
Trowbridge Chamber cycling event attracts entrants aged four to 91
A cycling event organised by Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce and Trowbridge Town Council has attracted entrants aged between four and 91 – including an 84-year-old banjo playing tricyclist.
The Tour de Trowbridge 2026 community cycling event, taking place on Sunday 31st May, is expected to attract hundreds of cyclists of all ages and abilities.
The four cycle routes, which range from five miles to 79 miles through the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, start and finish in Trowbridge Town Park where there will be a Family Fun Zone featuring pedal-powered smoothie makers, cycle challenges, a toddler cycle track, bike repairs, food and drink, and medals for all riders on their return.
All profits from the event will be donated to Wiltshire Air Ambulance, St. John Ambulance Wiltshire and the Mayor of Trowbridge’s Charity Appeal.
Cyclists that have entered so far come from across Wiltshire, Somerset, Bath, Bristol and beyond.
The youngest cyclist is 4-year-old Wilf and the oldest is 91 year-old Bill Brewer, who will be cycling the 25-mile community loop.
Tour de Trowbridge’s octogenarian entrants include 84-year-old banjo playing tricyclist Eric Windsor from Trowbridge.
Eric used to cycle to school in the 1940’s, has competed in races and cycle rides across the UK and has been a member of the Frome and District Wheelers since 1961.
He said: “I heard about the Tour de Trowbridge through my cycle club as quite a few of us are entering.
“I’m doing the 25-mile route on my trusty tricycle through Keevil, Great Cheverill and Edington and am looking forward to riding with friends and cyclists of all ages from across the region. It should be a really festive atmosphere.
“I took part in a CycleFest around Castle Combe for Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance last year, so am pleased to play a part in raising funds local charities again this year.”
Fellow octogenarian entrant Jim Tyrie from Winsley will celebrate his 85th birthday a few weeks after taking part in the Tour de Trowbridge event.
An enthusiastic time trial cyclist in his late teens when he was a member of Yorkshire Century Road Club, Jim only took up cycling again fifteen years ago, after a fifty-year break.
He joined the Woolley Wheelers cycling club in Bradford on Avon and now rides regularly with friends a couple of times a week and estimates he clocks up around 3,500 to 4,000 miles a year.
The Tour de Trowbridge’s youngest entrant, four-year-old Wilf from Colerne, is a massive bike fan and will be entering the event with his parents and older sister.
His mother Heidi said: “Wilf is bike crazy and loves to tell us about imaginary bike races that he completes on a daily basis, so we figured that it was time for him to try a real bike race! We all love to ride and have just planned a bikepacking holiday in Holland for the summer so this will also be good training!”
Entries for Tour de Trowbridge 2026 are open to riders of any ages, including under 16 year olds if accompanied by an adult.
All entrants will go into a draw to win a professional Bike Fitters session, and A&B Bike Repairs will be in Trowbridge Town Park to help with bike repairs and servicing on the day.
Any local businesses that would like to support the event are invited to download a sponsorship pack or email info@trowbridgechamber.com for details.
