Bath has been announced as one of ten venues across the UK that will host The Tour Series 2017 and the Matrix Fitness Women’s Grand Prix, launched at Wembley Park today, 2nd March.
For the first time The Tour Series is holding Saturday night events and a brand new circuit in Bath city centre will host the first of these on Saturday 20th May.
Spectators will be able to watch women’s and men’s professional cycling teams race around the stunning backdrop of Bath’s City Centre, with the Matrix Fitness Women’s Grand Prix showcasing the growth in the women’s sport. In 2015, the Bath stage of the women’s race was won by Olympic Gold medalist, Dani King.
Alongside this the Council will be celebrating the Tour Series and Matrix Fitness Women’s Grand Prix coming to Bath, by organising the first Bath & North East Somerset Sportive on the morning of 20th May.
Called ‘Love 2 Cycle Bath and North East Somerset Sportive’, it is a non-competitive event offering cyclists of all levels the opportunity to take in the best lanes that Bath and North East Somerset has to offer.
There will be two routes available, both starting in Royal Avenue in Bath, before going out through North East Somerset, taking in Keynsham, the Chew Valley and Somer Valley.
The long route is 80 miles and the short route 40 miles. Because it is on lanes and cycle paths, there will be no road closures. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Council Leader, Cllr Tim Warren (Conservative, Mendip) said: “We’re delighted that once again The Tour Series and the Matrix Fitness Women’s Grand Prix are coming to our area.
“Major events like this play an important role in maintaining Bath’s position as an exciting, lively and life enhancing place to visit and live, and they have major economic benefits too.”
The Tour Series 2015 attracted 15,000 visitors, and brought in expenditure of over £500,000 to the city, organisers reported.
The Tour of Britain in September 2016 was also a tremendous success with over 35,000 people visiting Bath to watch the live finish, with more watching along the route, benefiting the local economy in excess of £900,000.
This takes into account visitor spend in cafes / shops / hotels as well as future tourism generated by the global television coverage.
Councillor Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Holding our first sportive – Love 2 Cycle Bath and North East Somerset Council – this year is a great opportunity to promote the beauty of the countryside in North East Somerset.
“The chance to cycle through the Chew Valley, the Somer Valley before returning to the city centre to finish under the finishing gantry of the Tour Series, ahead of the professional cyclists, is a unique experience.”
The Tour Series starts in Worcestershire on 9th May, and finishes on 29th May in Stevenage.
Highlights of every round will be shown on ITV4, with programmes also available on demand via the ITV Hub. More information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/tourseries.
