The first bicycle race at Pittville was at the first Early Closing Fete** which was held there on 4 July 1877, the two miles event had eight entries and was run in three heats, the prizes were a silver cup and a pocket flask. Entrance fee for the race was two shillings. The bicycle races were the major attraction at the fete, particularly amongst the young people. Entertainment was provided by the Cheltenham band, a ballon ascent, Professor Walton's performing dogs and monkeys and dancing at an evening ball in the Pump room to the music of Bretherton's band. The evening concluded with "Mons D'Arlandes in his terrific flight upon the back of a fiery dragon, across the lake - the greatest sensation ever witnessed." All of this for only one shilling!
Edward Shenton took over the lease of Pittville Gardens and stated that he intended to build a bicycle racing track there. Unfortunately the track was never built and there was no further bicycle racing at Pittville Garden. The Park remained one of Cheltenham's major attractions for fetes and music for several more decades.
Cheltenham Borough Council bought the Pittville Estate and opened the grounds to the public in 1884, Pittville Park now extends to 82 acres and the Pump Rooms are Grade I listed.
** The Early Closing Association was formed in 1843 to campaign for shops to close early on Saturdays, so that the shop assistants would have the half day off. The movement gained traction in the late 1800s which helped football to become more established with Saturday afternoon matches. It was not until 1912 that Saturday half day closing became a legal entitlement for shop assistants.