Spectators are being encouraged to watch the Tour of Britain “safely” today (Thursday) when some of the world’s top cyclist’s, including Britain’s Mark Cavendish, compete in stage five on the roads of east Cheshire.
The route, a distance just short of 95 miles, will include Sandbach, Smallwood and Congleton.
No road will be closed for the elite cycling spectacle, and instead a series of rolling road blocks will be in place.
The largest crowds of spectators are expected to be along the sprint sections and mountain climbs.
Reades Lane in Mossley, Congleton, is the location for one of the sprints at around 12.34pm while large crowds are expected at the king of the mountain climb up Blacky Bank at 12.37pm.
It is the first time the race has come through the Cheshire East since 2016 when it hosted the whole stage from the start, in Congleton – when thousands packed the town centre – to the finish.
Riders will begin today’s leg of the tour at Alderley Park, on the A34 Congleton Road, at 11.45am and the finish line will be in Warrington town centre.
Cheshire East has encouraged spectators to enjoy watching it safely and for those still anxious about covid to watch it along the quieter sections.
Motorists have been advised that they may encounter five to 10 minute delays to their journeys as the cyclists pass through.
Coun 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.
“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.”
With positive covid cases continuing to increase in the borough, spectators are being encouraged to watch the tour along the quieter sections if they want to avoid the expected larger crowds, keen to watch the sprint and king of the mountain climb sections.
People are also being “strongly advised” by the council 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.
After leaving Alderley Park the riders are expected to pass through Siddington shortly after that, then Salters Lane, Lower Withington, at 11.51am.
They are expected to pass through Twemlow Green at 1.21pm and Holmes Chapel (A53 Macclesfield Road) at 1.25pm. They are due to reach Brereton at 1.28pm and Smallwood at 12.20pm.
Peel Lane, Astbury, is next at 12.28pm and then Leek Road at 12.33pm. The sprint at Mossley is expected to take place at 12.34pm on Reades Lane and Under Rainow Road.
After that it’s the king of the mountain climb up Blacky Bank at 12.37pm.
The cyclists are expected on the A54 Buxton Road, Congleton, at 12.44pm.
Then it’s the second king of the mountain section at Bottom of the Oven at 1.16pm before heading into the Goyt Valley along Buxton New Road to Rainow.
They then head out to Pott Shrigley, Wilmslow and then cycle over to Warrington to the finish line.
For more information about the Tour of Britain, visit tourofbritain.co.uk.
