The finish line of the eighth, and final stage, of the A J Bell Tour of Britain will be at the National Trust’s Needles New Battery.
On Sunday 11th September, more than 100 of the world’s top cyclists will ride almost 150km, across the Isle of Wight from Ryde to the western tip of the Island.
The toughest ending to any Tour of Britain
The eighth stage will take them close to several National Trust properties, but the final culminates in a two kilometre climb up the Trust’s Needles Headland, with the last 400m to the New Battery making it the toughest ending to any Tour of Britain in modern history.
Finishing at a site with with an incredible history
Gary Meek, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for National Trust Isle of Wight, said,
“It’s incredibly exciting to have the finish line of such a prestigious event at one of our places and to welcome participants and spectators alike.
“We care for 17 miles of glorious coastline and over 5,000 acres of countryside on the Island.
“The final stage will take riders through several of these stunning landscapes, before finishing at the Needles New Battery, one of our most unusual and less well known sites, but one with an incredible history, having been used for secret rocket testing during the Cold War.”
Watch the race along the route
There are several places those wishing to watch the race can visit. The route will pass the entrance lane to Bembridge Windmill before later heading on to Mottistone Gardens, where free parking is available. Both sites will be open on the day from 10.30am until 5pm (normal admission applies).
The competition continues along Military Road, passing Brook and Compton, where the car parks will be open (charges apply). Smaller car parks between Compton Chine and Freshwater will also be open. Those wishing to view the race along Military Road are asked not to park on the verges.
Climbing the steep road up the Needles Headland
The last few kilometres will see riders climb the steep road up the Needles Headland, which spectators are welcome to come and line, in order to be in the heart of the atmosphere.
The race will pass the Old Battery, which will be open on the day from 10.30am-5pm (normal admission applies) before finishing at the New Battery at around 2-3pm (closed).
Alum Bay car park will have limited capacity
Those wishing to visit either Tennyson Down and the Needles Headland or the Old Battery are advised to walk or cycle, as the large car park at Alum Bay will have limited capacity and the road up Tennyson Down to the New Battery will be closed on the day, with High Down chalk pit car park also closed from the evening of 10th September.
There will be no accessible parking at the Needles Old Battery and the Southern Vectis Breezer bus will not be running up the Needles Headland.
Traffic and parking restrictions
Additionally, there will be traffic and parking restrictions to allow the race to pass through safely. For most of the route, a rolling road closure will be in place, organised by the Isle of Wight Council.
Please look for the latest information on their Website.
For race timings and route, please see the Tour of Britain Website.
News shared by Joanna on behalf of National Trust Isle of Wight. Ed
Image: © John Millar
