Weekender: Cycling brand to open spring pop-up shop
Premium UK cycling brand Rapha is coming to Victoria Leeds this spring with an exclusive pop-up shop – the Clubhouse.
Open from 11 April – 19 May, the Clubhouse will celebrate the region’s association with cycling and will coincide with the highly-anticipated Tour de Yorkshire, which is taking place from 2 – 5 May.
Situated in the stunning historic arcades of Victoria Quarter, the Clubhouse will offer Rapha’s trademark mix of great food and coffee, as well as a fully stocked boutique of its clothing and accessories. Rapha’s team will also be on hand to provide their unrivalled cycling expertise, and there will also be informative talks and guest appearances from pro-riders.
A series of ‘Rapha Rides’ will take place throughout the duration of the pop-up, using the Clubhouse as a base. These include a 75km group ride suitable for all riders on 13 April and a ‘Yorkshire Classic Reconnaissance’ ride which will tackle the Queen stage of the Tour de Yorkshire, also known as the Yorkshire Classic, on 28 April.
Simon Mottram, CEO at Rapha, said: “As a Yorkshireman I am really proud that we are opening a pop up in Leeds this spring. I was born in Rotherham and grew up in Sheffield, both breeding grounds of hard core and successful racers over the years.
“There is another important historic connection between Rapha and Yorkshire. Local legends Brian Robinson and Tom Simpson both rode for the great St Raphael team in the 1960s. That team was the origin of the Rapha brand name and I actually came up to meet Brian back in 2004 when we launched the company. His stories and memorabilia then were truly inspiring.”
Mark Bourgeois, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Hammerson, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rapha to Victoria, Leeds. Landing in Yorkshire, the UKs spiritual home of cycling, alongside the world renowned Tour De Yorkshire, I’ve no doubt the Rapha Clubhouse will be warmly embraced by the cycling community. I’m certainly looking forward to riding out with RCC on Saturday morning. Rapha is a brilliant brand, and a fantastic addition to the high quality Victoria Leeds line-up.”
