Nationwide cycle relay reaches Norwich

Pedal power took centre stage outside Norwich Cathedral as the second annual Cathedrals Cycle Route relay reached the city. The 2,000-mile relay ride connects the country’s 42 Church of England Cathedrals and the CCR baton changed hands in Norwich on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 July.

Cyclists from St Edmundsbury Cathedral delivered the baton to Norwich on Tuesday afternoon and were cheered on by a welcoming committee as they crossed the Norwich finish line.

On Wednesday morning, the Norwich contingent started the journey to Ely Cathedral after a blessing from the Revd Canon Andy Bryant, Norwich Cathedral’s Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care.

The Cathedrals Cycle Route – which started from Newcastle Cathedral on 6 June – aims to celebrate the nation’s Cathedrals and promote greener travel and mental and physical wellbeing. It is the result of a unique partnership between Sustrans, Cycling UK, the British Pilgrimage Trust and the Association of English Cathedrals.

The relay route, which will this year finish at Newcastle Cathedral on Sunday 17 July, is the invention of academic, entrepreneur and keen cyclist Shaun Cutler, from Northumbria University.