The Friends Life Tour of Britain will return to Nottingham this September for the sixth stage of the annual bike race.
Friday the 11th September will see up to 120 of the world’s top cyclists race through Stoke-on-Trent, the Peak District and Derbyshire before finishing at the Central Promenade on Nottingham’s Forest Recreation Ground.
It is the first time since 2012 that the race has passed through Nottingham and the first time in ten years the city has hosted a stage finish of the race.
Sustrans is a charity in Nottingham, which aim to encourage people to travel by foot, bike or public transport. Cathy Lee, their Smarter Choices Co-ordinator said: “We’re really excited to be having the Tour of Britain here in the city”
“Spectators are going to be able to see the action really close up – it’s not every day you see cycling stars like Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins or Lizzie Armitstead cycling right in front of you”
Image: Up close with Columbian cyclist Nairo Quintana on Caerphilly Mountain in 2013
She says that events like these are an important way to inspire young people to become the next big cycling star.
Andrew Martin , from cycling pressure group Pedals, also welcomed the news.
He said: “Anything that brings out the masses to watch cycling must be a good thing – when the Tour de France was in Yorkshire it brought out thousands and thousands of people.”
“If it gets people talking about cycling it should encourage more people to get on a bike themselves and the more people there are cycling the safer it is for everyone.”
He says that if more people take up cycling, drivers and cyclists will become far more aware of each other and help prevent future accidents
“Often the media portray cyclists and motorists as being in conflict with each other but that’s rarely the case.”
Image: Mark Cavendish on the Tour of Britain in 2013
“Lots of cyclists have driving licenses and many people who drive in the week like going for a bike ride at the weekend.”
Councillor John Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The Tour of Britain is more great cycling news for Nottingham – along with the news that the Milk race and Cycle Live will also return this summer, and the recent announcement of a £6.1 million investment into cycling infrastructure.”
“We’re looking forward to hosting another top sporting event, and giving residents and visitors a reason to come to the city.”
Mick Bennett, race Director of Friends Life Tour of Britain organisers SweetSpot said: “Stage Six may well be the toughest of the entire 2015 tour”
“We have an exciting and very scenic route joining two cities both with a rich cycling heritage, which is sure to play a part in shaping the overall race for the friends Life Yellow Jersey.”
Image: Bradley Wiggins, Martin Elmiger and Simon Yates on the winners podium in 2013
