The forthcoming Castle Classic Challenge cycle race has received a creative boost in publicity thanks to Leicester-based design agency Hodges and Drake.
As keen cyclists themselves, the award-winning design company approached Leicester City Council and offered their artistic expertise in designing promotional posters for this weekends charity event, free of charge.
Not content with just providing the designs the agency, based in York Road, have already signed up to take part in the corporate relay challenge on the day. Ready to undertake the race Product Design Manager Craig Jones said: “Hodges and Drake is a company full of keen cyclists, from triathlon and road racers to downhill mountain bikers. Every weekend you can guarantee one of us will be in the saddle. “Additional teams include cycling enthusiasts from Leicester City Council, De Montfort University and Leicester Forest Cycling Club.
Taking place this Sunday, August 18 the event, organised by British Cycling and Leicester City, will begin at Leicester Castle, The Newake before heading through Old Town and finishing at the Mile Straight.
Compromising of three separate races beginning at noon, a ‘Go Ride’ challenge aimed at junior cyclists will be followed by the Corporate Rely Challenge with the Choppers ‘n’ Shoppers race shortly afterwards, designed for riders of all experience looking to flex their cycling skills. The elite-level race begins at 3pm with over 40 entrants already signed up, and will cover over 80km of city ground on a closed circuit.
The poster, released at the start of August promotes the first ever Castle Classic Challenge of which the organisers are hoping will become an annual event.
Showing his appreciation of Hodges and Drakes’ gesture City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is wonderful that such a leading, local company are so clearly sharing in the excitement about the Leicester Castle Classic and the return of cycle racing to the city. They have produced a fabulous poster which captures the excitement of the sport and the unique character of the circuit the riders will be racing.”
The money raised from the race registration fees will be donated to The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, a charity launched earlier this year in memory of Joseph Humphries who died from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome last October.
Craig expressed his delight at being able to design the event poster saying: “It has been a pleasure for us to combine our creativity and our passion for the sport, and donate our time and skills to supporting and promoting such an exciting event as the Castle Classic.”
For more information on how to take part in the races visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/leicestercastleclassic
