Teignbridge gears up for spectacular Tour of Britain finish

Thousands of cycling fans are expected to descend on Teignbridge on Friday 9 September as the district plays host to a spectacular Haytor finish for the Devon Stage of the Tour of Britain.

With the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and other Olympic medallists among the racers, supporters lining the route and arriving at the finish area on Haytor will also be kept entertained throughout the day by a variety of cycling activities and community events.

A carnival atmosphere is expected on Haytor, with the iconic Dartmoor location sure to draw some of the biggest crowds of the whole Tour and hosting a Promo Zone. Big screens will be showing all the race action across Devon and there will be dramatic views from the moor to the sea.

Before the big names and professionals arrive there will be the chance to cheer on the champions of tomorrow as local school children will race their way up the final 1km. This will be followed by the Community Challenge which will involve riders from Active Mums, Breeze Riders and Cyclists Fighting Cancer amongst others making their way to the finish line.

Events and activities lined up to promote the Tour of Britain in Teignbridge on Friday 9 September include:

10am, Promo Zone in Middle Haytor Car Park offering up the very best of local food and drink, along with a range of stalls, promotional stands and entertainment.
11.15am – 12.30pm, cheer on the champions of tomorrow as local schools compete along the final 1km
12.30pm – 1.00pm, cheer on community groups and individuals as they celebrate the benefits of cycling - 1pm, race can be viewed on the large screen
At Chudleigh, join the town celebrations with shop displays, music, dance and food on offer. Music and entertainment commences from 12.30pm with children from Chudleigh Primary School performing along the Parish Church wall. www.chudleigh-tc.gov.uk
In Bovey Tracey, the local Primary School will be creating a festive atmosphere along with local food and drink on offer at stalls and shops throughout the town. www.boveytracey.gov.uk
Expected times of arrival are Moretonhampstead 14:01, Chudleigh sprint 14.50, Bovey Tracey high street 14.57, Haytor KoM 15.00 and Haytor finish 15.09

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council Deputy Leader and Executive for Recreation and Leisure said: “This is a special opportunity for fans to get up close to many of the world’s best cyclists, many of whom are fresh from Olympic success. It’s sure to be a marvellous occasion and we extend a warm welcome to everyone who will be lining the streets and cheering on the riders. The atmosphere is sure to be among the best on the Tour and it’s great to see our local communities supporting this high profile event.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “The community events really add to the occasion to make it a real celebration of cycling. Hopefully hundreds of thousands of people will turn out in Devon again to be part of this great event. The local economy always benefits from The Tour and these local events provide added entertainment which can help everyone make the most of their day.”

Andrew Watson, Head of Recreation, Access & Estates at Dartmoor National Park Authority said: “Hosting the Tour of Britain provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase Dartmoor to a global audience. We are planning for large crowds at Haytor as the world’s top riders take on the only summit finish of this year’s Tour of Britain. As roads and car parks around Haytor will be closed, we are advising visitors to plan their journey, use park and ride facilities and arrive early.”

Teignbridge District Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority have been working closely with Devon Country Council to support and deliver the Devon stage of the Tour of Britain - British Cycling’s premier road cycling event and the country’s largest annual free-to-spectate sporting event. Stage Six will cover 150km (93 miles) through Devon and is expected to finish at Haytor shortly after 3pm.

To deliver a safe and enjoyable event, on the day of the race there will be parking restrictions and road closures in place along the route along with park and rides in operation. For full details of these please look out for signage and visit www.devontourofbritain.co.uk