DORSET will play a starring role in the Tour of Britain this year, when the cycle race hits the county.
The county will host the penultimate stage of the race on Saturday September 10 as the eight-stage event works its way down from Aberdeenshire to the Isle of Wight.
More than 100 of the world’s best riders will compete, with a large crowd comprising both local residents and cycling fans expected to turn out for the free event.
While it may be the modern race’s first visit to Dorset, the county welcomed the Milk Race on multiple occasions during the 1970s and 1980s.
The full route for stage seven, including the start and finish locations, will be revealed in due course.
Last year’s race was won by Belgian rider Wout van Aert.
Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “Announcing the locations of the Tour of Britain stages is always a day I look forward to greatly, as I know how much people want to watch the race from their own doorsteps.
“It is always exciting to be taking the Tour of Britain to new regions, so to have our first Dorset stage this September is truly one to look forward to, and we look forward to showcasing the beautiful countryside and spectacular coastline to our global audience.”
Councillor Ray Bryan, from Dorset Council said: “I am delighted that we’re working with Tour of Britain to host the penultimate stage of their fantastic cycle race. Events such as these support our local economy by attracting visitors, providing entertainment for our residents and helping raise Dorset’s profile nationally. We will share details of what’s happening on our road network as the race approaches, and I look forward to cheering on all the competitors later in the year.”
This year’s Tour of Britain will visit the following regions:
- Stage one Sunday 4 September Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
- Stage two Monday 5 September South of Scotland
- Stage three Tuesday 6 September North East of England and Sunderland
- Stage four Wednesday 7 September Redcar & Cleveland and North Yorkshire
- Stage five Thursday 8 September Nottinghamshire
- Stage six Friday 9 September Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire
- Stage seven Saturday 10 September Dorset
- Stage eight Sunday 11 September Isle of Wight
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here