World’s best cyclists to race through West Wiltshire

THE world’s best cyclists will be racing through West Wiltshire this week as the Tour of Britain takes place. 

Elite cyclists from across the world are due in Wiltshire on Friday 12th September as part of the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and the country’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event.

This year will see stage six pass through Wiltshire as the route goes from Bath to Hemel Hempstead.

Thousands of people are expected to line-up along the route in the county and motorists are being advised that the main A361 will be closed from 10.55am as the riders pass heading  towards Seend and then  Devizes before heading out of the county towards west Berkshire. The road will reopen when the cyclists have passed through and it is safe to do so.

As part of the celebrations Wiltshire Council is hosting a FanZone at County Hall featuring jugglers, stilt walkers and a Wealth of Wiltshire market during a day of celebration. They will also be decorating the route with gold-painted recycled bicycles as the stars of world cycling, including Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish. The council will be placing 30 bicycles featuring messages of support at key points along the route.

Race director Mick Bennett said, “We’re hoping to see lots of spectators at the roadside throughout Wiltshire on the 12th September cheering on and supporting the world’s top riders. Stage six will be one of the most challenging legs of the Friends Life Tour of Britain, stretching across the country from Bath in the west to the Chilterns and Hemel Hempstead in the east.

Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott added, “We are really looking forward to seeing our local communities come out to support the riders at the roadside, and I hope that by seeing the race first hand it will inspire people to get out and about on their bikes across the many beautiful cycle routes that we offer in Wiltshire. I am aware that the communities on the route are planning lots of activities and are looking forward to showcasing what makes them unique. We hope that local schools will also take the opportunity to allow the schoolchildren to see the race and show their support for the elite riders. Personally I am looking forward to seeing the riders pass in front of County Hall in Trowbridge and we are currently making plans for how we welcome them in Wiltshire.”

For more information on the Tour of Britain and the route visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk