Stockport comes out in force to support Tour of Britain

Stockport crowds contributed to an estimated 500,000 spectators over the 163.6-kilometre route of the Greater Manchester opening stage of the Tour of Britain on Sunday 3rd September.

The race route passed through Stockport from Woodford to Marple, with an exhilarating sprint through Hazel Grove, directly in front of Hazel Grove Life Leisure Centre.

Additional community cycling events supported the day: at Torkington Park, the council partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester to celebrate active travel in the area. In Hazel Grove, a ‘Beat the Sprint’ cycling challenge honoured the sprint that passed directly in front of the Life Leisure Centre.

The Jackson Road centre also displayed an impressive piece of ‘land art’ created as part of the community art scheme to celebrate the race by Stockport artist Helen Middleton in partnership with Stockport Council, including community group R Time Stockport. Crafted entirely out of cardboard boxes donated by Tesco Stockport and designed to be viewed from above, it was created in honour of Stockport cyclist Alan Newton who won a Bronze medal in the 1952 Olympics.

Ross McGuigan, active communities manager at Life Leisure, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic day. Everyone has had a lot of fun trying out the different bikes we have here at Life Leisure, and there was a real buzz when the cyclists came whizzing past.

“It’s been an amazing opportunity for Stockport to host such an exciting sporting event as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture, so we were thrilled to be part of it and show our support for all the competitors on the day. The art looks fantastic and I’m sure it was a welcome sight for the racers as they turned the corner.”

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, said:

“It was fantastic to see spectators lining the streets, and the community getting behind the peloton as it battled and raced through the borough. It was a true sporting spectacle for all.” 

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services, added:

“This extraordinary Town of Culture event went beyond the race, it inspired a sense of community and celebration. Hopefully, it will inspire people to get out and enjoy time on their bikes along the new and improved active travel network in our beautiful borough.”