Isle of Wight gears up for Tour of Britain
The cycle race ends on the Island next month
Last updated 23rd Aug 2022
A series of drop-in sessions are being organised by the Isle of Wight Council so residents can find out more about the forthcoming Tour of Britain cycle race.
The Tour of Britain culminates on the Island on September 11 when around 100 of the world’s best cyclists will take on the 150-kilometre last leg of the series in what is believed to be the largest sporting event ever hosted by the Island.
The event will be broadcast live around the world giving the Island global profile and residents a grandstand view of a top-class professional sporting event.
However the race will inevitably have an impact on the highway network including a rolling road closure of between 30 minutes and an hour so riders can pass safely. Longer closures will be necessary at the start on Ryde Seafront and along the finishing stretch – the Military Road at Chale to The Needles.
You can find out more about these rolling road closures, and the estimated timings, click here.
Residents will also be required to remove their vehicle from the road if they live along the route. This will need to be done from 6pm the previous night (Saturday September 10) until the race passes the following day.
A full list of the affected roads – along with details of arrangements in areas where alternative parking has been made available – will be publicised shortly.
The drop-in sessions, to be held in Ryde, Freshwater, Newport and Cowes, will be an opportunity for residents to discuss with organisers any issues they may have or indeed find out how they can get involved in - or best spectate - the race. Representatives from the IW Council’s sports unit and highways teams and Visit Isle of Wight will be among those present to provide information.
Alex Minns, Isle of Wight Council Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods, said: “The Tour of Britain will be a fabulous event for the Island, its economy and in terms of hosting an event that can inspire people to take up a healthy pursuit.
“We are really keen that everyone has the information they need to make the most of the event and to ensure they can play their part in making sure it is a resounding success. The drop-in sessions will be one chance to do that and we look forward to seeing residents at these events.”
Besides the drop-in sessions, residents can learn more about the event on a dedicated page on the council’s webpage.
The drop in sessions will be held at the following locations and times.
Tuesday 23 August - Ryde
Ryde Castle
Drop-in 15:00 to 18:00hrs
Wednesday 24 August - Freshwater
West Wight Sports Centre – Community Centre
Drop-in 15:00 to 18:00hrs
Thursday 25 August - Newport
Riverside Centre - Little London Room
Drop-in 15:00 to 18:00hrs
Wednesday 31 August – Cowes
Northwood House - Drawing Room
Drop-in 15:30 to 18:00hrs.