CYCLING takes a variety of forms and not just on two wheels. You can see various designs for those with a disability, tricycles, recumbents, cargo bikes and Tagalongs.
Increasingly, they come with assisted electric power, where the energy is stored in a battery and charged by the grid or, as the French invention illustrated here is, topped up by free solar power.
One of the most exciting local cycling events this year is themed around the most famous date in English history, 14th October 1066.
The Vhélio Trophee, a French solar-powered cycle event, which celebrates the ‘European Year of the Normans’, and commemorates the anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy.
This is not a race but a social occasion which involves around 80 cycles, 8 of which will be these Vhélios. The route goes from Rouen to Dieppe, overnight on the ferry, and then on Friday, May 15th, from Newhaven onto Pevensey Castle and finally finishing at Battle.
The Vhélio is a DIY, solar-assisted electric utility tricycle designed for suburban mobility. Its aluminium frame supports up to 200 kg and is around 2m long and nearly 1m wide.
It meets UK regulations, as it is powered by a 250W motor and a 522Wh battery, with a 50 km range, but this is extended by the 220W solar panel. The sides allow up to 250L of cargo, and the solar canopy provides both energy and weather protection. From the beginning, it was designed for low-tech repairing and it uses standard bike components.
2026 is a trial run for a much larger event in 2027, where there may be up to 500 cycles, including more than 50 Vhélios. So for this year, the route of the UK leg is still being finalised, as are the timings.
For the public, your best chance to look at these cycles is either before 9:30am, at Seaford seafront, whilst they wait for the Friday morning traffic to reduce and then later, in the centre of Battle, from mid-afternoon.
To accompany the vehicles en route, there will be seven motorcyclists with walkie-talkies. They are responsible for the safety of the sporting event and ensure the whole day passes without incident.
As this will be taking place on public roads, anyone can join in by following the route. However, they will be responsible for their own safety.
The convoy will progress within a ‘protected safety cocoon’, allowing it to ensure any obstacles are signalled to the cyclists, whilst the other road users will be informed of the event and hopefully everyone kept safe from danger.
In 2026 and 2027, you will hear a lot more about the Normans, where across Europe they will be celebrating the Duke of Normandy who became King of England.
William’s Millennium will be marked by numerous events, including an immersive exhibition and quest, a contemporary art trail across Europe, and a large gathering of Viking ships.
The Normans had a massive influence on UK culture, language, government, administration and architecture, and nowhere more so than in Sussex. William and his army landed at Pevensey in East Sussex. Having rested in the old Roman fortress, which would have been next to the sea, and now includes Pevensey Castle within it, they marched in land to Battle in East Sussex, making this journey pivotal in the overall Battle of Hastings story.
If you are interested in other 1066 events in East Sussex then keep an eye open in the media for details.
By Paul Humpreys of Eastbourne Bespoke
