OVO Energy Tour of Britain to race through Ramsbottom

9 Sep 2019 01:21
Published by: Kian French

Britain's biggest professional cycle race returns to the borough of Bury for the first time in 15 years on Saturday 14 September, as all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs feature in Stage 8, the final phase of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycle race.

The final day of racing will see the peloton take on a 165-kilometre route starting in Altrincham. Far from being a ceremonial end to the tour, Stage 8 embraces almost 2,000m of climbing, including the famous 'King of the Mountain' ascent at Rawson's Rake in Ramsbottom, before finishing at Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

The tour is expected to enter the township of Ramsbottom shortly after 1pm after going through Edenfield from Rochdale. Cyclists will travel southwards along the A56 (Whalley Road), descend Peel Brow, go through Ramsbottom town centre and along Bridge Street before climbing Rawson's Rake for the King of the Mountain challenge. The Tour will then exit via a fast descent at Lumb Carr Road and head off through Hawkshaw village, departing the borough towards Edgeworth, Bolton.

The route through Ramsbottom and out through Hawkshaw will take approximately 20 minutes.

Spectators can cheer on the cyclists anywhere along the route but key viewing points include:

  • Along Whalley Road, Ramsbottom
  • Ramsbottom town centre
  • Rawson's Rake, Holcombe Village
  • Junction at Pot Green/Hare and Hounds Public House
  • Hawkshaw Village

Councillor David Jones, leader of Bury Council, said: "We're really excited to welcome the Tour of Britain back to our borough; and the great thing is, people can watch it from anywhere on the route.

"Having the race here gives us a great opportunity to play our part in a country-wide event. Plus, with live TV coverage from start to finish, we have a fantastic chance to show off what Ramsbottom has to offer.

"With the lovingly restored East Lancashire Heritage Railway, mile upon mile of scenic countryside, and a wide variety of independent shops, bars and great places to eat and drink, there's loads for everyone to take in."

To enable the safe holding of the cycle race, there will be a series of road closures and on-the-day parking restrictions. Residents and businesses along the route will receive an information leaflet from Tour of Britain and a letter from Bury Council.

All road closures will be short-term so there will be no traffic diversions. Most will be rolling closures apart from at Carr Street, Tanners Street and Rawson's Rake where there will be a short-term full closure to allow for the King of the Mountain Challenge.

Each rolling road closure will start approximately 15 minutes prior to the arrival of the lead cyclist and will remain in place until the riders and race cars have passed through. The full closure for the King of the Mountain Challenge will start at 12 noon and end around 2pm.

Temporary parking restrictions will be in place from 10am until 4pm along the full length of the route. Residents affected by the road closures and parking restrictions should find alternative parking before 10am on the day of the event.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: "The length of time that roads are closed will be kept to a minimum and in most cases closure will only last for a matter of minutes. But minimise any inconvenience, residents and road users are encouraged to plan ahead and familiarise themselves with the timings.

"I'd also like to reassure everyone that throughout this event public safety will be paramount. Should emergency services require access to anywhere along the route, this will be dealt with as a priority."

As well as the chance to witness the Tour as it passes through, there's lots going on in and around Ramsbottom before, during and afterwards.

People can hop aboard a steam train at the East Lancashire Heritage Railway, experience everything that Ramsbottom town centre has to offer, or simply enjoy the splendid views from the top of Holcombe Hill.

Specific events so far include:

At Ramsbottom Pool & Fitness Centre BL9 OPT (on the playing field behind the centre)

  • FREE family cycling fun day
  • Roch Valley Radio DJ
  • Balance Bikes cycling activity for children aged 2-5 years
  • Pump Track cycling activity for children aged 6 and upwards
  • Static Cycle Challenge for children aged 12 years and upwards
  • Bury Tandem Cycling Club expo
  • Local information stalls
  • For more information search Bury Leisure events on Facebook

At The Shoulder of Mutton, Lumb Carr Road BL8 4LZ

  • Music, BBQ and outside bar for drinks and snacks
  • Bury Clarion Cycling Club
  • Bury Clarion Bullets Go Ride Juniors
  • HSBC UK Breeze Women's cycling expo
  • Pub also open - spectators welcome to use facilities

Tour of Britain Treasure Trail

  • Find all seven decorated bikes between the East Lancs Railway Ramsbottom Railway and the Tilted Vase
  • Add up the numbers to discover the average speed of the cyclists along the ToB route
  • Take a selfie with one of the decorated bikes
  • Collect your prize at Ramsbottom Leisure Centre

Due to parking restrictions through the route, spectators are encouraged to make use of public transport or active travel.

For a full list of temporary road closures and the latest information on local events visit www.bury.gov.uk/ToB2019

For information about the route through Greater Manchester visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-eight/

The full current provisional rider list can be found here: https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/race/riders/

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