This Thursday, 17th September, will see thousands of cycling fans arrive in Frome to see the start of Stage 6 of the Tour of Britain, one of the cycling calendar’s biggest events.
Frome will be in the sporting spotlight as some of the world’s top cyclists arrive in town, including Olympic triple gold medallist Bradley Wiggins.
The stage will begin in Frome and the cyclists will wind their way through the villages and towns of Somerset and Devon before finishing in Bideford. It is the first time that the district of Mendip has hosted the start of a stage.
The race will depart at 10.00am from Frome and head along Bridge Street, North Parade, Market Place, Bath Street, Butts Hill, The Butts and Marston Road and on to the A361 towards Shepton Mallet. On the 16th September the Market Yard car park in Frome will be closed from 2.00pm for 24 hours and Bridge Street will be closed from 8.00pm.
Frome Velo Jam
People of all ages are also expected to visit the pre-race celebrations at the Frome ‘Velo Jam’ the night before (Wednesday 16th September). The entertainment will be from 6.00pm–9.00pm and will include the Catherine Hill Cobble Wobble family cycling event, mountain bike displays, trade stands and exhibitions in the Cheese & Grain.
Race day begins at 8.00am when spectators will be able to welcome the cyclists including star rider, Olym-pian Bradley Wiggins. The crowds will be able to cheer on the 96 riders as they depart the Market Yard car park at around 10.00am.
Road closures on the race route will not be enforced until the race is ready to depart. These will be in place in Frome from 10.00am until 10.30am. A rolling road closure will be instigated along the entire race route 20 minutes before the first rider passes through and will be released once the last vehicle has passed.
Frome’s Formula One driver Jenson Button said “It’s fantastic that one of the stages of the Tour of Britain this year is starting in my home town of Frome. I’m a huge fan of cycling and have so much respect for athletes like Lance Armstrong and Bradley Wiggins. I hope everyone in Frome gives Stage 6 of the Tour a great send-off on 17.”
Councillor David Huxt-able, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for resources said, “It is a privilege for Somerset and Devon to host two days of this world famous event. We are confident that this year’s South West stages are going to provide some excellent entertainment for residents and tourists alike – especially with top professional cyclists such as Bradley Wiggins taking part.”
More information can be found on www.southwesttourofbritain.co.uk. Search for ‘Tour of Britain – South West’ on facebook to become a fan of the race visiting Somerset.
