Britain’s most prestigious cycle race is coming to Trafford this September.
Altrincham is to host the start of the final stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain which is one of the biggest cycling races in the sporting calendar.
The announcement provides another sporting boost for the borough as it is already due to host the Cricket World Cup and the Ashes this summer.
The eight day cycle race begins in Glasgow on Saturday 7 September, and will involve the world’s top teams and riders across a 1,250-kilometre route through Scotland, England’s North East and North West.
The final day of racing will see the peloton tackling a 165-kilometre route, one that starts in Altrincham, includes almost 2,000 metres of climbing – notably featuring the famous climb of the Rake at Ramsbottom – and passes through all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester en route to the line in Deansgate.
Trafford Council Leader Andrew Western said:
This is fantastic news for Trafford. The borough will shortly be hosting matches in the Cricket World Cup and the Ashes, so the Tour of Britain will provide the perfect ending to a summer of world class sport. Cycling is such a popular sport and I know thousands of people will turn out to line the route to cheer on the riders and it will provide a great opportunity to showcase all that is good in Trafford.”
British Cycling Chief Executive Julie Harrington said:
The OVO Energy Tour of Britain goes from strength to strength each year and has captured the hearts and minds of the nation to become a staple in the British sporting calendar. So of course, this year’s edition will be extra special to us as Greater Manchester will not only welcome the race for the first time in 15 years, but host the final stage of the race. We share with all our event partners a determination that these events should not only showcase the very best of cycling at the highest level but provide necessary inspiration for people across Great Britain to get out on their bikes.”
Posted on Thursday 30th May 2019