Tour de Force

14 Jun 2019 02:30

ONE of the world's leading professional cycling events is coming to Stockport later this year.

The final stage of this year's Tour of Britain cycle race - from Altrincham to Manchester city centre - will take in Woodford, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Marple and Compstall.

Britain's biggest professional bike race is set to attract thousands of visitors to the area when the top riders in the sport set off on the final leg on Saturday September 14.

Starting out from Altrincham they will tackle a demanding 165-kn route that includes almost 2,000 metres of climbing, before the big finish in Manchester city centre.

Hosting the race delivers major economic benefits. In 2016 Cheshire East saw a £3.5million boost when the tour came to the borough.

A massive 300,000 spectators lined the route and the major sporting event was watched by millions of viewers around the world. showcasing the area.

Race director Mick Bennett said: "More than ever this year's OVO Energy Tour of Britain route has been designed with spectators in mind.

"From visiting three iconic cities and including uphill finishes that are guaranteed to create drama to using finishing circuits, this year's race will play a big role in helping Britain become a great cycling nation."

British Cycling chief executive Julie Harrington added: "This year's edition will be extra special to us as Greater Manchester will not only welcome the race for the first time in 15 years but host the final stage of the race.

"We share with all our event partners a determination that these events should not only showcase the very best of cycling at the highest level but provide necessary inspiration for people across Great Britain to get out on their bikes."

The eight-day race will take the world's top teams and riders across a 1,250-kilometre route.

ITV4 will once again screen live free-to-air coverage of each stage in the UK, along with a nightly highlights programme of the best of the action.

The tour has been described as the UK's biggest annual free-to-attend sporting event.

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