STOCKPORT will welcome some of the world’s top professional cyclists this coming weekend as the Tour of Britain reaches its thrilling finale.
The final stage of the Tour of Britain will come to the borough on Saturday, September 14, with Stockport featuring in the stage that begins in Altrincham and finishes in Deansgate in Manchester.
The tour began in Scotland on September 7 and 120 riders from 20 teams have been competing in stages across the UK this week.
As the final stage enters Stockport on Saturday, the route will take in Woodford, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Compstall and Werneth Low.
Download the timetable of the eighth stage of the Tour of Britain
The borough will be staging an ‘Eisberg Sprint’ on Jacksons Lane in Hazel Grove, as well as a ‘Skoda King of the Mountains’ section as the race heads up Werneth Low from Compstall.
Two event hubs have been set up along the ‘sprint section’ on Jacksons Lane with Life Leisure Hazel Grove and Hazel Grove High School both putting on a host of cycling-related activities.
Life Leisure in Hazel Grove will be staging a family fun open day from 10am until 3pm, which will include a cycling ‘Peak Power’ Watt Bike challenge and an outdoor spin class that will be held as the riders fly by. There will also be plenty of fun activities for the kids including a bouncy castle, teddy bear picnic and penalty shoot-out.
Hazel Grove High School is also joining in with a ‘Beat the Pros’ cycle event, penalty shoot-out, three BikeRight courses, an official viewing area, plus hot and cold food available for spectators to enjoy.
As the cyclists begin the ‘King of the Mountains’ stage, community group WalkRide Romiley will be welcoming the riders with bee themed costumes and a big banner created by the community.
Romiley Golf Club will be providing parking on the day, in a field on Compstall Lane, with the entrance located opposite Springwood Lane so residents can watch the riders complete one of the toughest sections of the stage.
In addition, Hazel Grove High School is also working on a ‘Land Art’ installation, which will be captured by the Tour of Britain’s broadcast helicopter.
The school hopes it will prove to be a big hit with viewers watching on home on ITV4 and Eurosport, who will be covering the event.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Stockport’s residents to witness a world class sporting event on their doorstep.
“I would encourage as many of you as possible to head out on Saturday and witness this spectacle for yourselves.
“We want as many people as possible to take part, whether that will be by making noise as the riders fly past or creating eye-catching banners offering your support.
“The hub events being staged in Hazel Grove, together with the events planned for the King of the Mountains stage sound fantastic, and I hope everyone has a great day witnessing this superb event.”
A rolling roadblock – operated by the Tour of Britain and assisted by Greater Manchester Police – will be in place as the race takes place.
View a map of the route HERE