Excitement builds for Tour’s Sussex stage

Brighton seafront will be the setting of what is shaping up to be a thrilling finish to the Sussex stage of the Friends Life Tour of Britain on 13^th September.

As well as Sir Bradley Wiggins, the world’s top sprinters Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel have both been confirmed in the line-up for the race.

Cavendish rides with the Omega-Pharma Quick Step team and is a prolific Tour de France stage winner. Marcel Kittel, winner of this year’s Tour de France stages to Harrogate and The Mall, will lead Team Giant Shimano.

Defending champion Sir Bradley Wiggins, leader of Team Sky, will line up with British riders Ian Stannard and Ben Swift as part of a six-man squad.

Nicolas Roche is also returning to the race for the first time since 2009 to lead the Tinkoff – Saxo squad.

The Tour of Britain stage 7, which travels through West and East Sussex, is expected to reach Brighton seafront between three and four in the afternoon.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the city’s economic development and culture committee said: “With Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish in the race we couldn’t have asked for a more exciting spectacle in prospect. We really are thrilled that Brighton & Hove is hosting the Sussex stage finish, showcasing the city to a national and international audience.”

Prior to the race arriving on Madeira Drive, British Cycling is offering offer a team competition for young people with two of Brighton & Hove cycling clubs.

Local Go-Ride clubs VC Jubilee and Preston Park YCC will take part in eight races for different age groups from midday. The hour-long slot will feature under eights and under 10s going head to head in a skills relay.

Go-Ride is British Cycling’s development programme for young people, providing an opportunity to experience the world of cycle sport. Over 60% of riders on the Great Britain Cycling Team started out at Go-Ride Clubs.

Councillor Ian Davey, Brighton & Hove’s lead member for transport, added: “The presence of top riders from the UK and the Tour de France will be a real treat for the thousands of spectators expected to line the route. Cycling has never been more popular and we hope the event will inspire even more people to cycle, whether for leisure or for work, school or university.

View the spectator information for the Sussex stage 

More information at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/tourofbritain