There are now less than ten days to go until the superstars of world cycling return to South Yorkshire, as the 20th edition of Britain’s biggest professional cycle races through the region on Thursday 5 September.
Eighteen of the world’s top cycling teams, including the likes of double Olympic gold medallists Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock and double world road race champion Julian Alaphilippe, will be on the start line on Arundel Gate in Sheffield city centre for the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men stage through South Yorkshire.
Route
Riders will tackle two King of the Mountains climbs before leaving Sheffield, at Long Lane (estimated 11.39am) on Loxley Common and Jawbone Hill above Oughtibridge (estimated 11.46am), that are both sure to be popular with cycling fans wanting to see the riders tested by the South Yorkshire gradients.
Riders will then pass across the border into Rotherham where they will race through countryside and urban areas, including the scenic Wentworth, the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal at Kilnhurst, and former mining town Maltby.
The village of Tickhill, near Doncaster, will host the stage’s intermediate sprint (estimated 12.55pm) while the final King of the Mountains climb is at Hound Hill on the outskirts of Barnsley (estimated 3.06pm), with an extra incentive for riders being the special time bonus’ available for the first four riders over the summit.
Barnsley
We will host the finish of the stage on County Way at The Seam, our digital campus, coming at the end of an 800 metre drag along Old Mill Lane, averaging a 7% incline
Alongside the finish line will be the fan zone, including a big screen so spectators in Barnsley can follow all of the action via the ITV4 coverage, while enjoying the events and entertainment, and secure bike parking for those riding to the event on two wheels.
Local entertainers will be on hand delivering live performances throughout the day's proceedings, including RampUP sessions where children and young people can ride around the RampUP Zone on bikes, scooters or skateboards, and the Everybody's Cycling Pedal-Powered Arcade too.
The fan village will also include a presence from Alé, the official jersey suppliers for the race, as well as British Cycling partner’s Vittoria, Ridgeback, and Shimano, with the latter providing free bike safety checks for fans, plus the chance to try food from Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men hospitality partners Gaucho.
There will also be a live performance of a cycling themed dance created by a group from Community Integrated Care, one of the UK’s largest health and social care charities. The dance has been filmed to be shown on the big screens at every stage start, but the group will be coming to Barnsley for a special live performance of the routine.
Looking ahead to the race, Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “The Tour of Britain coming back to South Yorkshire is not just exciting, it will help inspire the next generation of cyclists.
“Together we can make the South Yorkshire leg of the Tour of Britain Men’s race one to remember, by getting out to support the riders, by enjoying the spectacle and excitement of the race and by taking part in the brilliant community events.”
Stage three on Thursday 5 September gets underway at 11am from Sheffield, and is expected to finish in Barnsley between 2.48pm and 3.35pm with all of the action broadcast live on ITV4.
For the full route and spectator information head to www.tourofbritain.co.uk or visit the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority website.
