HUNDREDS of people are expected to pack into Evesham, Pershore and Broadway to watch some of the world’s best cyclists battle it out when the Tour of Britain passes through town.
The country’s biggest cycling race will return to Worcestershire for the first time in six years on Wednesday (September 10) and a host of events have been lined up in Evesham, Pershore and Broadway to celebrate.
The big day will see the county host Stage Four of the national event which gets underway in Liverpool on Sunday (September 7) for the first of eight stages nationwide.
Pershore will be filled with bunting and a celebratory bike made entirely from willow on display at Chapman Court.
There will also be street entertainment and local schools are expected to line the streets with Pershore High School running a yellow jersey day for charity.
Coun Rowley told the Observer the event would be one to remember for the town.
“The town will be filled with bunting and there is plenty of excitement already in the town.” he said.
“Despite the event being on a Wednesday and during school time I still think it will be a very special event for Pershore.
“There are not too many events like this in Pershore so we are encouraging everyone to attend and celebrate the occasion.” he added.
And to mark the arrival of the tour in Evesham, Honeybourne Bicycle Users Group (H-BUG) will be running a toddlers slalom in the Market Square between 10.30am and midday.
Each child will receive a certificate and a flag after riding their tricycle, balancing bike or bicycle around the short course.
After the riders tackle the YodelDirect sprint race on Evesham High Street, H-BUG will lead a schools ride around town after the tour has passed through.
Each rider will receive a certificate and a Pickwick Bicycle Club medal and the ride will be supported by local Bikeability trainers.
Members of the Ferry View Knitting Group have also geared up for the Tour of Britain by making a knitted bike which will be on display on Evesham High Street during the big day .
And in Broadway businesses and groups will compete against each other in creating and racing their own box carts as well as luge racing.
Extra excitement has been added this week with the announcement cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins will be taking part leading Team Sky.
Wiggins rose to celebrity fame in 2012 when he became the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France before helping Great Britain win gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The popular 34-year-old ended an unforgettable 2012 in style after his achievements in road cycling led him to win the annual BBC Sports Personality contest.
Wiggins will ride through the streets of the Vale as defending champion of the event following his triumph last year.
“The Tour of Britain is a special race for me so to be returning as defending champion is a real honour.” he said.
“From the start of the year it’s always been a goal of mine to race to the Tour of Britain. The race is growing in stature year on year and it’s our chance to go there with a strong team and race in front of home fans to thank them for their support over the
season.”
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/tourofbritain for more information on what is going on to mark the event in the district.
* A NUMBER of roads will be closed for approximately 30 minutes between 11am and 1pm on Wednesday, September 10 to allow the riders to make their way through.
Evesham – A44 Manor Farm Roundabout, B4624 Worcester Road, A4184 High Street, A4184 Vine Street, A4184 Abbey Road, B4035 Waterside, B4035 Port Street, Broadway Road, A44 Broadway Road
Broadway and surrounding areas – A44 Pitchers Hill, A44 Longdon Hill, Evesham Road, Collin Lane, A44 Broadway Bypass, Leamington Road, High Street, Church Street, Snowshill Road
Pershore and surrounding areas – A4104 Baughton (Hill Croome), A4104 Main Street (Defford), A4104 Bakers Hill (Birlingham), A4104 Defford Road, B4536 Defford Road, B4536 Broad Street, B4084 High Street, A4104 Station Road, A4104 Terrace Road (Pinvin), A44 Abbey View Road (Pinvin) A44 Wyre Piddle Bypass (Wyre Piddle), A44 Evesham Road (Hill & Moor, Fladbury, Norton & Lenchwick)
Ferry View Knitting Group have geared up for the Tour of Britain by making a knitted bike which will be on display on Evesham High Street during the big day – Kim Skipsey, Kim Carter (Tesco Community Champion), Lucy Bickerstaff and knitter Rose Woolf show it off. Photo by Marcus Mingins 3614020MMR Order this picture online at www.buyphotos247.com
