A series of drop-in sessions are being organised by the Isle of Wight council so residents can find out more about the forthcoming Tour of Britain cycle race.
The Tour of Britain culminates on the Island on Sunday 11th September when around 100 of the world’s best cyclists will take on the 150-kilometre last leg of the series in what is believed to be the largest sporting event ever hosted by the Island.
Live broadcast around the world
The event will be broadcast live around the world giving the Island global profile and residents a grandstand view of a top-class professional sporting event.
Rolling road closures
However the race will inevitably have an impact on the highway network including a rolling road closure of between 30 minutes and an hour so riders can pass safely.
Longer closures will be necessary at the start on Ryde Seafront and along the finishing stretch – the Military Road at Chale to The Needles.
You can find out more about these rolling road closures, and the estimated timings, via the Website.
Remove your vehicles the night before
Residents will also be required to remove their vehicle from the road if they live along the route. This will need to be done from 6pm the previous night (Saturday 10th September) until the race passes the following day.
A full list of the affected roads – along with details of arrangements in areas where alternative parking has been made available – will be publicised shortly.
Drop-in sessions
The drop-in sessions, to be held in Ryde, Freshwater, Newport and Cowes, will be an opportunity for residents to discuss with organisers any issues they may have or indeed find out how they can get involved in – or best spectate – the race.
Representatives from the IW council’s sports unit and highways teams and Visit Isle of Wight will be among those present to provide information.
Minns: Keen everyone has the information they need
Alex Minns, Isle of Wight council Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods, said,
“The Tour of Britain will be a fabulous event for the Island, its economy and in terms of hosting an event that can inspire people to take up a healthy pursuit.
“We are really keen that everyone has the information they need to make the most of the event and to ensure they can play their part in making sure it is a resounding success. The drop-in sessions will be one chance to do that and we look forward to seeing residents at these events.”
Besides the drop-in sessions, residents can learn more about the event on a dedicated page on the council’s Website and via social media.
The drop in sessions will be held at the following locations and times.
Tuesday 23 August – Ryde
Ryde Castle
Drop-in 15:00 to 18:00hrs
Wednesday 24 August – Freshwater
West Wight Sports Centre – Community Centre
Drop-in 15:00 to 18:00hrs
Thursday 25 August – Newport
Riverside Centre – Little London Room
Drop-in 15:00 to 18:00hrs
Wednesday 31 August – Cowes
Northwood House – Drawing Room
Drop-in 15:30 to 18:00hrs.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © SWpix
