Bristol's Trails Gain Funding from Avanti Cycles

With Britain's phenomenal cycling success in both the Tour De France and Olympics, cycling has never been more popular. And now, thanks to a generous five-year sponsorship deal with Paligap, Bristol-based importers of Avanti bicycles, the future of the cycling trails in Bristol’s Ashton Court and Leigh Woods just got even better.

Bristol's trails in Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods are among the best in the UK. They were used by the GB Olympic BMX team as part of their pre-Olympic training and one national magazine rated Bristol the 2011 best place to live for mountain biking in the UK.

David Lane, Managing Director of Paligap Limited, said: "We want to ensure Bristol's world-class trails stay in top condition. The trails are a magnet for people of all ages and abilities, from young children to cycling athletes, providing valuable exercise and enjoyment. We are now sponsoring the cycle trails at Ashton Court and Leigh Woods for five years, putting our money into trail maintenance for the enjoyment of all whilst building the Avanti brand awareness in the UK”.

The original mountain bike trail at Ashton Court was rebuilt in 2011 by Bristol City Council, whilst a new trail was put in at neighbouring Leigh Woods by the Forestry Commission and the National Trust. The 1 South West Project co-ordinated planning and delivery, gained EU Rural Development Programme for England funding for these works, and has been raising the popularity of adventurous cycling throughout the region.

Paul Hawkins of 1 South West Cycling said: "Avanti bicycles have really taken a lead in supporting these amazingly popular trails and we’re delighted to be working with a company that is putting its money behind what it believes in. We hope that as a result Avanti bicycles will be as successful in the UK as they have been in New Zealand for over 25 years. We also hope other businesses will follow their lead and support grass-roots cycling infrastructure across the country".

The trails offer an all-weather surface and grin-inducing rollercoaster ride, and as a result around 45,000 miles is ridden on the two main trails every month. The level of use is unprecedented and will inevitably lead to wear and tear, so the sponsorship of annual maintenance by Avanti bicycles including surface and signage repairs will help keep the trails in top condition for all to enjoy into the future.

Credit: - 1 South West