Gearing up for world’s top cyclists

ALL eyes will be on Warwickshire again this week when the county hosts some of the world’s top female cyclists — giving yet another major boost to the local economy.

Although no official figure on how much hosting stage two of the Aviva Women’s Tour will benefit the area has been quoted, it has been estimated elsewhere in the country that in previous years it has been as much as £1million.

The stage will end in Stratford on Thursday, 16th June, afternoon, after the cyclists have passed through a large part of south Warwickshire on the 86-mile route that will start in the north of the county in Atherstone.

Not only is the five-stage, week-long race expected to attract cycling fans to the area, it will also be shown on ITV4, with tourism chiefs excited at the exposure it will bring.

It comes just weeks after the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare brought the world’s media, and thousands of visitors, to Stratford.

“Having seen the success of the Tour de France starting in Yorkshire, and that leading to the creation of the Tour of Yorkshire event, we were delighted that Warwickshire County Council successfully bid for the chance to be involved in the Women’s Tour,” Helen Peters, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s England, which represents the tourism industry in south Warwickshire, said.

“The recent Shakespeare celebrations were certainly a success in attracting visitors, but this is something that reflects on the whole of the county of Warwickshire.

“It’s also the effect it will leave behind, and we would hope that for those who do come that it will be the first time and not the only time they do, we want what people see to drive them here throughout the year, not just on this particular day. There’s a real buzz about this, although its difficult to put a figure on what it will bring to the economy and the figures do take some time to come through.

“The riders will be out in the countryside and we’re hopeful for good weather, of course, everything looks nicer when the sun’s shining!

“The exposure that will bring on the TV coverage will be so valuable, not only to the bigger organisations such as the Birthplace Trust and the RSC, but to the smaller ones, such as B&Bs, they are just as important to the industry. “We are confident this will show the whole of Warwickshire in a really good light.”

The tour was first held in 2014, but this is the first time it has come to Warwickshire. Neighbouring Northamptonshire, which will host a stage for the third year running, claimed 67,500 people lined the streets to cheer on the cyclists when it was in the county last year.

That, according to an independent report commissioned by Northamptonshire County Council, was worth £1million to the local economy, while the event also inspired 65 per cent of spectators to cycle more often.

There will be cycling-related activities in Waterside, Stratford, on Thursday:

• British Cycling’s ‘Breeze’ programme will be present to encourage women to take up bike riding.
• Stratforward will be providing refreshments for visitors.
• Everyone Active will be bringing a spinning bike, rowing machine and other activities for people to try out.
• Shakespeare Hospice will be present with selection of bike’s available provided by Upcycle Your Cycle and come with a six month warranty.
• Recovery Partnership will be giving out information.
• Warwickshire Road Safety Group will be giving people road safety guidance and live demonstrations with qualified cycling instructors.
• Springfield Mind are promoting mental health and wellbeing services
• Stratford-upon-Avon School will be presenting a drama performance and decorated bikes.

On the finishing straight between 11.30am and 12 noon, primary school grass track cyclists will ride on the finishing straight and then being presented with medals.

And from 12noon to 12.45pm, there will be an event running for toddlers – the ‘Strider Bike Challenge’. Children aged 18 months to 5 years can enter. All riders get medals and a great photo opportunity on the podium. Then stay to watch the professionals finish for a truly inspiring day.

Warwickshire County Council is hosting the second stage in partnership with the University of Warwick. The tour itself will finish on Sunday in Kettering.

CLICK HERE for the detailed route map.

Where and when tosee the riders

THE third Aviva Women’s Tour starts on Wednesday, 15th June, in Southwold on the Suffolk coast, with stage two getting underway in Atherstone, north Warwickshire on Thursday morning.

The riders will make their way across the county, arriving in Warwick at around 11am. After racing through Warwick town centre streets they will venture out into the countryside around Stratford.

Their route, and approximate timings, to the finish line, is as follows:

The riders will compete in Queen of the Mountains climbs at Dassett Hills Country Park at around midday, and near Ilmington, with the ascent of Nebsworth Hill on the edge of the Cotswolds, at around 1pm. There will be sprints in Kenilworth and Tysoe.

Road closures will be in place in Warwick and Stratford town centres throughout the day, and rolling closures as the riders make their way along the 86-mile route.

Keep an eye on the Herald'sFacebook and Twitter pages for race day updates.

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