Summer tourism season opening in Ventspils

29.04.2014 - 12:10
The upcoming summer tourism season in Ventspils will commence on May 17 with an event "Ventiņ, braucam piknikā!" at the Adventure Park and the annual bicycle race along the streets of the city.
Summer tourism season opening in Ventspils
There will be three different distances to choose from: the long distance (9 km) and two shorter distances for kids (1.7 km and 2.1 km).

Bicycle race participants will gather at the Ventspils Adventure Park. The first ones to take to the track are kids under the age of 9 (assembling from 10.30 am to 10.55 am; kick-off at 11.00 am). Long-distance racers will assemble at the start line from 11.30 am to 11.55 am, with the race kicking off at 12.00 o'clock.

Long distance (9 km): Start line at the Adventure Park - Saules Str. - Lielais Ave. - Kroņu Str. - Loču Str. - K.Valdemāra Str. - Ostas Str. - Prāmju Str. - Kuldīgas Str. - Ganību Str. - Krustkalnu Str. - Finish line at the Adventure Park

Short children's distance (1.7 km): Start line at the Adventure Park - Saules Str.  - Riņķu Str. - Ganību Str. - Krustkalnu Str. - Finish line at the Adventure Park

Long children's distance (2.1 km): Start line at the Adventure Park - Saules Str. - Pionieru Str. - Ganību Str. - Krustkalnu Str. - Finish line at the Adventure Park

Crossing the finish line, every cyclist will receive a special certificate, an event sticker and a rejuvenating snack.

At 1.00 pm, prize-winners in the following categories will be announced:

  • Most Attractive Cyclist;
  • Most Magnificent Cyclist;
  • Most Feminine Cyclist;
  • Loudest Cyclist;
  • Miss Cyclist;
  • Mister Cyclist;
  • Most Weighty Cyclist;
  • Most Blossoming Female Cyclist;
  • Most Durable Cyclist;
  • Owner of the Largest Bicycle;
  • Owner of the Most Colorful Bicycle;
  • Owner of the Most Extraordinary Bicycle;
  • A separate prize to express gratitude to teams consisting of more than 20 people (to be given to 20 teams).
A wide cultural programme will accompany the bicycle race, featuring appearances of Ventspils Junior Big Band (assembly place for children's race participants, 10.30 am), pop group "Juras akmentini" (central stage) and Brass Orchestra "Ventspils" (assembly place for long-distance racers). The children's race will be opened by two fairytale characters, a wizard and a dragon. Chairman of Ventspils City Council, Aivars Lembergs, is scheduled to deliver a speech prior to the adult race. Also, the audience can expect live performances by students of the Pop & Jazz Department of Ventspils Music College Ventspils, local amateur performing art groups (middle generation dance group "Spiekstiņi" (Ugāle), folk group "Pūnika" (Pope), song ensemble "Ventiņ", etc.), and Ivo Fomins & the band as special guests.

All day long, bicycle race participants will be able to enjoy generous discounts on Adventure Park's rides and attractions.

With 2014 being the Year of Gastro-Tourism, the Adventure Park invites everyone to attend a Tourism Picnic. Local vendors will present and sell their produce (cheese, bread, honey, beer, wine and sklandrauši*). Singers and dancers from Ventspils and the surroundings will give live performances. A pop-up branch of the Bank of Venti will offer visitors to participate in various competitions and earn venti.

Organizers of the event warmly invite Ventspils residents and visitors to take part in this active leisure event, enjoy it and spend a day full of adventures side by side with their families, colleagues and friends.

* rye flour pies with a carrot and potato filling