One month to go until the Tour of Britain cycle race heads to Gloucestershire

The countdown to the Tour of Britain’s first-ever full stage in Gloucestershire has officially begun.

Today (Tuesday 9 August) marks one month until the UK’s leading cycling event heads to the historic county and promotes it to an international audience.

Over 100 of the world’s best riders will tackle a 170.9km (106.3m) stage that begins in the heart of Tewkesbury town centre (11am) and culminates adjacent to Gloucester Docks (approximately 3pm) on Friday 9 September. The route will pass through Bishops Cleeve, Winchcombe, Guiting Power, Cirencester, Tetbury, Chipping Sodbury, Yate, Wooton-under-Edge, Dursley and Stroud. A large crowd is expected to turn out to watch this free-to-attend sporting spectacle.

The race’s visit to Gloucestershire comes three months on from Dutch star Lorena Wiebes (Team DSM) winning an unforgettable stage of the Women’s Tour, the UK’s most prestigious women’s race, that was held between the same two locations.

Local professional rider Pfeiffer Georgi, who played a key role in her team-mate Wiebes’ victory in the heart of Gloucester, is looking forward to see how the men’s race plays out. She said: “Being able to race on home roads during this year’s Women’s Tour was truly unforgettable. From the welcome the fans gave us as we were leaving Tewkesbury to the wall of noise coming into the finish in Gloucester, it was great to see so many people supporting that event. I’m sure that everybody in the county will do Gloucestershire proud and get behind this Tour of Britain stage!”

Cllr. David Gray, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member responsible for environment, said: “We’re thrilled to sponsor the Tour of Britain and bring it to Gloucestershire. This is a fantastic opportunity to see world class cycling across our stunning county. As well as sharing in our residents’ and visitors’ excitement for this race we’re keen to capture the enthusiasm for cycling and support residents and visitors to get on their bikes and try cycling themselves for work or pleasure. This is also fantastic for the local economy and we look forward to seeing the benefits for our businesses throughout the county.”

Dan Frost, chairman of Woodmancote Wheelers Cycling Club, said: “Our members are keen to see the professionals in action and compare their times over some of the local Strava segments! We’re planning to view the race in two places on the day – atop of Cleeve Hill and then later in the day near Edge. A café stop is more than likely, too!”

Gloucester City Cycling Club’s Ian Wareing said: “We were inspired by the Women’s Tour when it came to Gloucester in June – now we’re looking forward to watching the men tackle a few of our favourite local climbs!”

A route map and full stage timings are available online at tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-six.

ITV4 will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage and nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch wherever they are.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk