People across parts of Gedling borough will get the chance to see some of the world’s best cyclists when a stage of a national cycling event comes to the area.
The East Midlands route for stage four of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race, the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, will take the race from Derby to Newark-on-Trent, through Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire on Friday, September 6.
For the first time in the 20-year history of the modern race, the city of Derby will welcome the race, with the stage getting underway at 11:00 from outside of the Derby Arena.
The Tour will head through the roads of Derbyshire for the first time since 2015, before crossing into Nottinghamshire at Eastwood and continuing through Hucknall, Ravenshead, Blidworth, Southwell and Tuxford, before crossing the River Trent to race south to the finish alongside Sconce and Devon Park in Newark-on-Trent.
It is during this stage that cyclists will pass by Linby and Papplewick before making their way through Ravenshead.
Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men Race Director Rod Ellingworth said:”After three tough days of racing, stage four could be the first chance for the sprinters, and having seen the likes of Fernando Gaviria and Olav Kooij win in Newark-on-Trent in the past, we know it is a route and finish that suits the fast men, and also an area of the country where the race always enjoys great support from the community.
Cllr Ben Bradley, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It’s a huge honour that the race will go through most of our county and a testament to the success of the previous four editions of the race hosted by the county council, which have attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators and generated millions of pounds for our local economy.
“The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of Nottinghamshire to a global audience, as well as to inspire more people to take up cycling and enjoy the health and environmental benefits of active travel.
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best cyclists and their fans to Robin Hood County for a fifth time and making it another memorable event for everyone involved. The county has clearly proven itself as a Tour destination, creating lasting memories and a legacy that is hard to beat.”
The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men begins in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday, September 3 followed by stages in the Tees Valley and South Yorkshire.
Following the East Midlands stage the race continues in West Northamptonshire before concluding in Suffolk on Sunday, September 8 after six days of racing.
More details of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, including the detailed stage timings and competing teams will be announced in the coming weeks.
