The picturesque City of Bath will play host to the cycling Tour of Britain this September, for the first time in the modern races’ 11-year history.
The Tour of Britain is teaming up with Bath & North East Somerset Council for Stage Six of the race (on Friday 12th September) which will set off from the Royal Avenue before completing a lap through the City to showcase many of Bath’s beautiful and historic sites to the worldwide audience.
Stage Six will then head east from the city, out of Bath and North East Somerset, skirting Salisbury Plain on its way to the Chilterns and the stage finish in Hemel Hempstead.
Councillor David Dixon, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We are honoured to be hosting a start stage here in Bath, which I’m sure many will agree is the most beautiful backdrop to showcase such a prestigious event.
“I know that our communities will be 100% on board in welcoming the riders, teams and spectators to the City which starts a weekend of cycling activities and events across the whole area, building upon the Council’s aspirations for ensuring our communities are fit for life, our commitment to the delivery of first class facilities for sport and recreation; which in turn supports our thriving economy.”
The race will see 18 of the world’s top professional cycling teams, including the likes of Team Sky, who won the 2013 Tour with Sir Bradley Wiggins, arriving in Bath, for the race, which is televised live in the UK on ITV4 as well as globally.
Mick Bennett, Race Director, said: “Bringing The Tour of Britain to Bath will be a first for the modern era of the race and one that we are very much looking forward to.”
“Bath is a world famous visitor destination around the world, so in the first year that The Tour of Britain has achieved the upgraded HC status it is fitting to be starting a stage there.”
The City of Bath has been designated a World Heritage site thanks to its beautiful architecture, iconic sights and fascinating history.
The City’s scenic locations have long proved to be a huge draw for millions of visiting amateur photographers as well as international film crews keen to make the most of this unique setting.
For up to date information on the Bath stage of the Tour of Britain visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/tourofbritain.
The 2014 Tour of Britain will begin in Liverpool on Sunday 7th September, finishing eight days later in central London with a double-header final day, featuring an individual time trial and circuit race finishing on Whitehall.
More information on the 2014 Tour of Britain can be found at www.thetour.co.uk.