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 the centre of Manchester.
As it enters Stockport, the route will take in Woodford, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Compstall and Werneth Low.
The borough is lucky enough to 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 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.
Timings for the Tour as it visits Stockport: 11:23 – Tour arrives in Woodford 11:28 – Bramhall 11:33 – Hazel Grove – including Eisberg Sprint stage 11:40 – High Lane 11:48 – Marple 11:53 – Compstall 11:56 – Werneth Low – Skoda King of Mountains stage |
The 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.
Community groups in High Lane and Marple will also be hand to help give the cyclists a big, warm, Stockport welcome by waving flags and creating cycling-themed banners and other artwork.
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 September 14 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 Marple sound fantastic, and I hope everyone has a great day witnessing this superb event.”
In addition, the council has allocated a small amount of money to help community groups along the route purchase materials to create banners and artwork.
For further information and an application form, please email tob@stockport.gov.uk
A rolling roadblock – operated by the Tour of Britain and assisted by Greater Manchester Police – will be in place as the race takes place.
To view a map of the route, please visit tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-eight