Warwickshire 'shone' during Tour of Britain Stage 4
Thousands of visitors, residents, schoolchildren and cycling fans cheered on some of the world’s best riders
Warwickshire County Council say the region 'shone on the international stage' on Friday 5 September when it welcomed the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men Stage 4 to the streets.
Thousands of visitors, residents, schoolchildren and cycling fans cheered on some of the world’s best riders as they raced through the county.
The celebrations began the evening before the race with Routes to Cycling – An Evening with Ned Boulting in Atherstone, whilst on race day itself, Stage 4 was officially started in Atherstone by Cllr George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, together with competition winner Oriana Whitehead, aged 10, who had designed the official starting flag.
The stage winning rider, Romain Grégoire, later received a unique trophy designed by another competition winner, Amy Belcher, aged 11, who presented it alongside Warwickshire County Council’s Chairman Edward Harris.
Another highlight came when Harvey Yorke, aged 8, a young cyclist who earlier this year completed a 100-mile ride to raise funds for Cyclists Fighting Cancer in Stratford, joined British Cycling President Bob Howden to present the Best Young Rider award.
Stage 4 offered challenging hills and rolling countryside as well as fast sections through our towns and villages, giving fans plenty of excitement along the Warwickshire route.
The authority say that hosting the Tour is about more than a single day of world-class racing.
They add how it leaves a legacy of inspiration and showcases Warwickshire as a fantastic place to cycle, whether it be for family rides, leisure routes or competitive sport.
'It was fantastic to see so many people lining our streets'
Cllr George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people lining our streets to support the Tour of Britain and to give the riders such a warm Warwickshire welcome. On a personal note, I was honoured to be able to start the race, especially with such energy and anticipation coming from the crowds in Atherstone.
“The whole day showed that this event is about bringing communities together, inspiring young people, and showcasing the very best of our county. The national television coverage has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight Warwickshire as a place to visit, stay and explore. I would like to thank everyone who came out to cheer, especially the hundreds of school children waving their flags, the businesses who supported the event, and the many partners and volunteers who made it possible.”