VIDEO: Glasgow gears up for Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish
the cycling stars are competing in the Tour of Britain which leaves George Square on Sunday morning
Cycling fans will have the chance to meet the world’s top cyclists, including a host of Olympic medallists led by Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, as they arrive in Glasgow for the Tour of Britain competition.
The special presentation event will be held on George Square on Saturday night ahead of the professional cycle race which gets underway on Sunday morning.
Each of the 21 teams will appear on stage from 18:00 onwards, giving spectators the chance to see the world’s top names interviewed, and to get autographs and photos with their favourite riders from the Tour of Britain field.
Councillor Archie Graham OBE, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said:
“Since Glasgow last hosted the Tour of Britain Grand Depart ten years ago, the city’s sporting profile has gone from strength to strength. We can’t wait to host the start of this exciting race, and welcome all the participants to our city.
“The Team Presentation is the perfect opportunity for cycling fans to see their favourite teams and riders before the Grand Depart on Sunday 4 September. We’re planning activities which will keep the whole family entertained, so make sure you head to George Square and join in the fun.”
The event starts at 4pm in George Square, with plenty of fun for all the family. Scottish radio and television presenter Bryan Burnett will be keeping crowds entertained, and there will be plenty of activity with an exciting ‘Rollapaluza’ station, as well as mascots from local schools and cycling clubs which will represent the 21 teams taking part in the Tour of Britain.
Teams will appear on stage from 18:00 onwards starting with UCI WorldTour team Trek Segafredo and culminating in Team Dimension Data of Mark Cavendish at 19:40.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We are delighted to support Stage One of the Tour of Britain through EventScotland’s International Funding Programme and look forward to seeing some of the biggest names in world cycling gather in Glasgow for the team presentation, followed by the first day of racing.
“George Square will come alive with activity on both Saturday and Sunday in celebration of this magnificent occasion and, with thousands expected to attend, these festivities will demonstrate why Scotland is known the world over as the perfect stage for events.”
Stage One will begin from George Square at 11:30 on Sunday 4 September and feature a racing lap of the city. Following the departure of the Tour of Britain fans can get on their bikes and ride on traffic free roads in the Sky Ride Glasgow.
Stage One of the 2016 Tour of Britain is supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council, EventScotland and Glasgow City Council.
In total 21 teams will contest the 2016 Tour of Britain, including 11 UCI WorldTour teams, the highest number to have competed in Britain since the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart.
Already confirmed for the Tour of Britain are the likes of Olympic medallists from Rio Sir Bradley Wiggins, Owain Doull, Mark Cavendish and Tom Dumoulin, plus multiple Tour de France stage winners Andre Greipel, Rohan Dennis and Steve Cummings.
A host of British stars like Alex Dowsett, Ian Stannard and Mark McNally will also race, with the full provisional line-up of 126 riders announced next week.
Seven British teams will line-up for the Tour of Britain, led by Team Sky and also including Team WIGGINS and a Great Britain national team.
Three-hours of live coverage will be broadcast from each stage of the Tour of Britain, with both ITV4 and the BIKE Channel UK showing the race live, while ITV4 will also air a one-hour highlights programme each day.
The Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step.