Longest and Toughest Tour of Britain Stage in South West
29th of April, 2008
Event Press Release
The Tour of Britain and South West hosts, Somerset County Council, have revealed a route through the region that organisers predict will once again prove the toughest of the entire event. Taking place on the 9th September, the 185km South West stage is the longest in the race and will have a backdrop of stunning scenery as it takes riders past more of Somerset's hidden gems and large swathes of idyllic Devon countryside.
Setting off from Chard in the South of Somerset, the riders will pass through two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a National Park, and on to the first ever coastal finish at the popular resort of Burnham-on-Sea. The twisting country lanes of the Blackdown Hills AONB will provide the first E.ON King of the Mountains challenge for the riders before they hit Tiverton in Devon and the picturesque villages of South and North Molton, where they will face their second E.ON King of the Mountains trial.
Exmoor's rugged terrain will again test the riders as they speed through Withypool and revisit Exford and Wheddon Cross, which attracted thousands of spectators for the 2007 race. The riders will then negotiate the narrow medieval streets of historic Dunster before passing through Williton, Bishops Lydeard and the Quantock Hills AONB.
Heading on to the north of Somerset, the riders will then be on the home straight as they travel through the flatter parts of the county and through Bridgwater, before seeing the finish line at Marine Drive in Burnham-on-Sea. This year Somerset County Council has collaborated with Devon County Council, South Somerset District Council and the Exmoor National Park Authority to bring the Tour of Britain to the region. For the first time the stage is also being supported by the South West of England Regional Development Agency.
Cllr Jill Shortland, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: "The Tour of Britain took Somerset by storm in 2007. This year's route takes in even more of the region and promises to be a spectacular event. We are working with our supporting partners to make sure that as many local schools and members of the community as possible get involved and enjoy the festivities. Last year, Somerset benefited to the tune of £500,000 in additional visitor spend within the county on the race day alone and we hope that local businesses will welcome the event and help us in making sure it is a success again."
Guy Lavender, South West England Director for the 2012 Games, said: "We are delighted that the South West stage of the Tour of Britain is not only returning to Somerset this year, but will incorporate North Devon and the first ever coastal stage finish. The event will be an economic boost to the region, and an opportunity to showcase the South West's natural assets and ability to manage major sporting competitions. This event contributes significantly to our 2012 Games legacy objectives for the region, particularly in sports participation, community engagement and skills."
Cllr Brian Greenslade, Leader of Devon County Council, said: "It's exciting for everyone that the Tour of Britain is returning to Somerset and Devon after such a successful stage through the two counties last year. The event was well received by local people and businesses certainly reaped the reward from the influx of visitors. With Devon providing an even longer section of the stage this year, more communities will be getting involved and the turnout will be bigger than before, which will be of great benefit to the local economy. I'm sure Devon can again provide a breathtaking backdrop for spectators and a gruelling enough challenge for the riders to make this another sporting triumph."
Cllr Tim Carroll, Leader of South Somerset District Council said: "We actively promoted Chard - as our second largest settlement and a popular market town in the West of our District, to host the start of the tour this year. South Somerset District Council has already committed £10,000 to support the event and we are currently looking at ways to provide further funding. This is an event that will bring thousands of pounds to the Chard economy and indeed the whole of Somerset, and we are pleased to work with Somerset County Council in participating in this iconic event."
John Dyke, Chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority, said: "It's great news that the Tour of Britain is returning to Exmoor. Last year the event produced a carnival atmosphere and the riders can once again be assured of a warm Exmoor welcome."
Graham Jones, Route Director of the Tour of Britain, said: "In 2007 the South West stage of the Tour of Britain proved to be a decisive moment in the race and whilst it didn't decide the overall winner it certainly put an end to the aspirations of a large proportion of the field. I think that our visit to the South West on 9th September could have a similar effect. There are three classified King of the Mountains climbs, the first after only a handful of miles, and that sets the tone for the day. With 30km from the summit of the last climb to the finish there may be an opportunity for a small regrouping, but for many riders it may be too late to salvage their hopes of winning the 2008 Tour of Britain."
RELATED LINKS
Map: South West 2008 Tour of Britain
http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/
