Tour of Britain comes to Cheshire East with public safety the watchword

The Tour of Britain will return to Cheshire East on Thursday for stage five of the cycle race, which got underway in Penzance on Sunday.

It is the first time the race has come through Cheshire East since 2016 when the borough hosted the whole stage from start to finish.

Riders will start this leg of the tour at the leading life science facility – Alderley Park, near Macclesfield.At just under 95 miles, the route will follow a loop through Cheshire East, skirting the Peak District National Park, before finishing in Warrington.

The council is anticipating that crowds will gather along the roadside – particularly at the mountain climb and sprint sections – and is encouraging spectators to enjoy it safely, including watching it along the quieter sections. There will be no road closures on the day, instead rolling road blocks will be employed to ensure rider and public safety.

Motorists may encounter 5-10 minute delays to their journeys on Thursday but no more as the cyclists come through the borough.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “The Tour of Britain is one of the highest profile cycling events on the sport’s calendar and it goes without saying that many of our residents will be looking forward to seeing the riders come through the borough.

“With one of Britain’s greatest cyclists, Mark Cavendish MBE, leading an international class field, there are plenty of reasons for the public to be excited about the event, especially as it comes straight off the back of the fantastic achievements of Disley resident – and now Britain’s most decorated Paralympian – Dame Sarah Storey DBE winning her 17th Paralympics gold medal in Tokyo.

 “However, the message is clear from the council: we must remain cautious. We want everyone to remember stage five of this year’s race for all the right reasons.”

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, added: “Positive Covid-19 cases are continuing to increase in Cheshire East and we all need to remain cautious for the foreseeable future.

“It’s important to keep following our Covid-19 advice and guidance. Remember: keeping Covid rates down and protecting each other is in our own hands.

“Naturally, we want people to enjoy the return of Tour of Britain to Cheshire East and understand that many will want to head to the sprint and hill climb sections of the route.

“But for those who wish to enjoy the event without the worry of large crowds, and to be able to keep their distance from others more easily, there are many places along the route to be able to do just that.

“Before people do venture out, I strongly advise them to take a lateral flow test – using either the free home test kits, or by visiting a symptom-free testing site – to help prevent the spread of the virus and to keep others safe.”

More information about stage five and a map of the full route can be found here:

Tour of Britain website.

There are also details of the riders announced so far and a stage five timetable, giving estimated times for when the race is expected to pass through each area.

Anyone interested in registering to attend the start of the race can do so by going to:

Alderley Park website. 

More information and advice about Covid-19 can be found on the council’s website.