TO celebrate the Tour of Britain’s arrival in the town local MP Stephanie Peacock has announced a new investment into cycling facilities.

The Barnsley South MP - who is also Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth - took the opportunity to announce the Place To Ride project, a new £15m investment in cycling facilities across the country to help people get more involved with the sport.

It is intended to address inequalities in participation and create new opportunities for underrepresented groups in cycling.

She said: “Back in 2019 I watched on proudly as Yorkshire hosted the International Cycling Federation’s Road World Championships, reinforcing the UK’s strong track record as host of major international events.

“The legacy of those championships lives on, with more than 150 community cycling facilities benefiting across the country.

“Delivered in partnership with Sport England and British Cycling, these facilities are enabling people of all ages and abilities to get involved with different forms of cycling, ensuring the sport continues to grow and more of us enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”

British Cycling’s chief executive, Jon Dutton, added: “Hosting major events, like the men’s and women’s editions of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain, has the potential to inspire and impact communities throughout our nation.

“At British Cycling, we want everyone to experience the joy of cycling - we’re really proud of what our athletes have achieved in Paris this summer, but rather than that being the final outcome, for us it’s about what now happens at home.

“To give everyone the chance to enjoy the benefits that cycling brings physical and mental health, happiness, belonging, better air quality, a lower carbon footprint, and an affordable way of getting to work or school, we need continued investment in facilities and infrastructure to make this happen.”