MEMBERS of Evesham Wheelers saddled up to tackle stage six of the Tour of Britain 24 hours ahead of the pros to celebrate the UK’s most prestigious cycling event coming to the district.
Up to 120 of the world’s best cyclists were set to ride through Pershore and more than 5,000 spectators were expected to flock to the town centre for stage six of the race yesterday (Thursday).
The time trial route, which starts and finishes in Pershore, is the first time a stage has been set entirely within Worcestershire.
The Wheelers took in the 14.5-kilometre or nine-mile route as part of their weekly Wednesday ride and were met at the finish in Pershore by district and county councillor Coun Rob Adams.
The out-and-back route passed through Little Comberton and Bricklehampton during a scenic anti-clockwise loop and the Wheelers arrived at Wychavon Civic Centre exactly 24 hours before the start of the pro race, to begin the countdown.
Being an individual time trial, the route is relatively short for a Tour of Britain stage and the Wheelers put in some extra miles before and after riding the route to take their total mileage closer to the 50 mark.
President Carol Hall said: “It’s great to have the Tour of Britain return to our area and have the opportunity not only to see the pros in action but also to be able to ride exactly the same route as them and see how our times compare.”
Evesham Wheelers have two weekly rides on Wednesdays and Sundays. There are different groups of varying ability, which means that everyone is welcome, whether a novice, an experienced local rider or a visitor to the area, looking for someone to cycle with.
Visit www.eveshamwheelers.org.uk for more details.
