Warrington to host a stage finish of Tour of Britain cycle race

WARRINGTON is to play host to a stage finish of the Tour of Britain cycle racefor the first time this year when stage five culminates in the town on Thursday September 9.
The borough council and race organisers SweetSpot had previously agreed to host the race and today’s announcement marks confirmation that residents and visitors can look forward to the excitement of a stage finish.
Council leader Russ Bowden, said: “Being chosen as a host venue for the Tour of Britain is a huge honour for Warrington and it’s fantastic news that the event will be going ahead in September. It’s been a long wait, but I’m delighted that our town will finally have the chance to play its part in British cycling’s most high-profile, prestigious event.
“The Tour of Britain 2021 will bring huge benefits to our town, boosting the local economy, bringing an influx of visitors and showcasing our sporting credentials to a global audience.
“We also want ensure being a host venue serves as a catalyst for inspiring many more local people to take up cycling, supporting our plans to build sustainable travel into our future. September is set to be a hugely significant and exciting month for Warrington”.
The race has previously passed through the town during stage two in 2012 en route from Nottingham to nearby Knowsley Safari Park.
Race director Mick Bennett said: “There are few places finer than Warrington’s Golden Gates to finish an international sporting event outside, so Warrington is going to be showcased to the world in all its glory come September. Based on the reception the Tour of Britain got when the 2012 race passed through, I have no doubt that the local residents will turn out en masse to watch the world’s best riders in action pass by – all for free, too!”
The Tour of Britain is scheduled to take place between Sunday September 5 and Sunday September 12 starting at Penzance in Cornwall and finishing in Aberdeen.
This year’s race is scheduled to take place following an absence of 722 days since the culmination of the 2019 Tour of Britain in Greater Manchester due to the cancellation of the 2020 event because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be the first edition of the race to be a part of the UCI ProSeries.
Organisers SweetSpot are working closely with British Cycling, the UCI and stakeholders across England, Wales and Scotland in order to monitor the health situation in the UK and to meet any requirements in place for outdoor sports events in September to ensure that the Tour of Britain can take place safely.