Dorchester gears up for Tour of Britain with celebratory activities
Hundreds of internationally renowned cyclists will pass through Dorchester on Saturday 10 September
Dorchester Town Council and Brewery Square are planning a special schedule of activities to support the AJ Bell Tour of Britain, as hundreds of internationally renowned road cyclists will pass through Dorchester on Saturday 10th September 2022.
The UK’s biggest professional cycle race and free-to-spectate live sporting event will see riders make their way through the town at 12pm in the seventh stage of the competition.
Brewery Square is hosting a cycling celebration event from 10am – 1pm on the day. Anytime Fitness will host spinning in the Square, with specialists from Pope Street Cycles on hand to provide bike maintenance advice. Dorset Police also be giving away free bike marking.
Charlotte Spracklen, Centre Manager at Brewery Square commented: “It’s an honour for our town to play host to the country’s most prestigious cycle race and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the local community. We want everyone to feel part of this staple event through our activities at Brewery Square, encouraging people to come together and share their passion for this exhilarating sport.”
Be part of a giant spinning bike wheel
Dorchester Town Council is asking local residents to bring their bikes to Kings Road Park at 11am to help create a giant spinning bike wheel, in an attempt for Dorchester to win the Tour of Britain’s annual National Land Art competition. The giant spinning bike wheel will be seen by helicopters and film crew following the Tour of Britain through Dorchester.
Matilda Manley, Tourism Development Officer from Dorchester Town Council added: “The AJ Bell Tour of Britain attracts some of the best riders from around the world and a roadside audience of over 1.5m spectators over 8 days. Live coverage of the race is shown daily in the UK on ITV4, in addition to around the world so this is a great opportunity to show off Dorchester on an international scale.
“I have been working with The Tour team and Visit Dorset to help ensure we get as much promotion for the town as we can. In addition to our exciting activities at Brewery Square and the giant spinning wheel competition, we’ve also been editing and submitting voiceover notes for commentators about all the attractions the riders will pass on their way through the town.”
Where to watch
Keen spectators can head to Brewery Square or Kings Road Park before 12pm to pick up a free paper flag to wave and cheer on the cyclists. In keeping with traditional bike rides, people can also bring along a cowbell to chime at their chosen viewing spot to showcase their support.
There are several key spots to watch the cyclists pass in Dorchester as the route weaves in and around the town. Riders will enter Dorchester via Herringston Road, pass Maumbury Rings – which is ideally located near Brewery Square – and Borough Gardens before turning right at Top O’ Town and the Thomas Hardy Statue onto High West Street.
The picturesque street, made up almost entirely of Listed buildings, will play host to a sprint stage – a thrilling spectacle which will see riders push their speed to the limit. Riders will then pass Kings Road Park, onto Icen Way and South Walks Road (past the Elizabeth Frink’s Dorchester Martyrs Statue), along Prince of Wales Road out to National Trust’s Max Gate and on to Broadmayne.