Worcestershire will be the scene of a potentially race-deciding stage when it hosts an individual time trial on day six (Thursday 12 September) of this year’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
The world’s best riders will tackle a 14.5-kilometre (nine mile) individual time trial that starts and finishes in the market town of Pershore, and passes through Little Comberton and Bricklehampton during a scenic anti-clockwise loop.
This spectator-friendly day of racing will allow fans to see world-class riders competing up close as they tackle the course individually. The stage is the third of its kind to be held in the OVO Energy Tour of Britain since 2016, following equivalent stages in Bristol and Clacton-on-Sea.
“Britain’s cycling heritage is built on time trialling, so we’re delighted that the 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain will feature such a stage,” said Race Director Mick Bennett. “Time trials are the purest form of cycling: it is man and machine versus the clock – the strongest rider on the day in Worcestershire will be victorious!
“Our Pershore Individual Time Trial may be the shortest stage of this year’s race, but it will go some way to deciding who is crowned our overall champion in Manchester 48 hours later.”
Cllr. Rob Adams, Community engagement, culture and sport portfolio holder for Wychavon, added: “It’s absolutely brilliant that we have the Tour of Britain back in our district. Having a time trial means people have greater opportunities to enjoy the excitement and prestige of the race. We look forward to welcoming the teams to the area.”
The stage will suit reigning British time trial champion Alex Dowsett, a former race leader and stage winner in the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, whose KATUSHA ALPECIN team will be among the 20 world-class squads competing in the event.
Residents along the route can support the event in a number of ways, from simply lining the course to decorating their homes or entering the OVO Energy Tour of Britain’s National Land Art competition. Full stage timings will be released in August.
The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their doorstep and helping to build a great cycling nation.
ITV4 will once again screen live free-to-air coverage flag-to-flag of each stage in the UK, along with a nightly highlights programme of the best of the action.
2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain route
|
Stage 1 |
Saturday 7 September |
Glasgow to Kirkcudbright |
201.5km |
|
Stage 2 |
Sunday 8 September |
The Scottish Borders Stage |
166.4km |
|
Stage 3 |
Monday 9 September |
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle-upon-Tyne |
182.2km |
|
Stage 4 |
Tuesday 10 September |
Gateshead to Kendal |
171.5km |
|
Stage 5 |
Wednesday 11 September |
The Wirral Stage |
174km |
|
Stage 6 |
Thursday 12 September |
Pershore Individual Time Trial |
14.5km |
|
Stage 7 |
Friday 13 September |
Warwick to Burton Dassett Country Park |
186.5km |
|
Stage 8 |
Saturday 14 September |
Altrincham to Manchester |
165km |
