The information below is from Stockport MBC. There will be some traffic disruption but, as has been seen from elsewhere, the overall benefit will outweigh the slight inconvenience and help Stockport, and particularly Marple in raising its profile.
WITH less than a month to go until the world’s finest cyclists race through Stockport’s streets, the build-up to the event is gathering pace.
The final stage of the Tour of Britain will come to the borough on Saturday, September 14, with Stockport featuring in the stage that begins in Altrincham and finishes in the centre of Manchester.
As it enters Stockport, the route will take in Woodford, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Compstall and Werneth Low.
The borough is lucky enough to be staging an ‘Eisberg Sprint’ on Jacksons Lane in Hazel Grove, as well as a ‘Skoda King of the Mountains’ section as the race heads up Werneth Low from Compstall.
Two event hubs have been set up along the ‘sprint section’ on Jacksons Lane with Life Leisure Hazel Grove and Hazel Grove High School both putting on a host of cycling-related activities.
‘Life Leisure Hazel Grove will be staging a family fun open day from 10am until 3pm, which will include a cycling ‘Peak Power’ Watt Bike challenge and an outdoor spin class that will be held as the riders fly by. There will also be plenty of fun activities for the kids including a bouncy castle, teddy bear picnic and penalty shoot-out.
Hazel Grove High School is also joining in with a ‘Beat the Pros’ cycle event, penalty shoot-out, three BikeRight courses, an official viewing area, plus hot and cold food available for spectators to enjoy.
The school is also working on a ‘Land Art’ installation, which will be captured by the Tour of Britain’s broadcast helicopter. The school hopes it will prove to be a big hit with viewers watching on home on ITV4 and Eurosport, who will be covering the event.
Community groups in High Lane and Marple will also be hand to help give the cyclists a big, warm, Stockport welcome by waving flags and creating cycling-themed banners and other artwork.