The Tour of Britain is heading our way
The Friends Life Tour of Britain makes its first visit to Brighton & Hove in modern history in September, as the city hosts the finish of the penultimate day of racing on Saturday 13 September 2014.
The Tour of Britain is the UK's biggest professional cycle race and the country's largest free-to-spectate sporting event attracting the biggest live attendance of any sporting event in the UK. The Tour is now a cornerstone of the sporting year and the country's main cycling event. The economic benefit of hosting the race in 2013 was an estimated £3million per stage.
The stage 7 leg of the tour, which leaves from Camberley, Surrey at 10am, takes in a 140 mile journey encompassing West Sussex, East Sussex and finally entering Brighton where it will culminate on Madeira Drive between 3-4pm.
Organisers estimate the race will pass through the below locations at the following times (subject to change):
Ditchling Beacon 14:57
Coldean Lane 15:06
A270 Lewes Road 15:08
Bear Road 15:11
Warren Road 15:14
Wilson Avenue 15:14
Marina Way 15:16
Through tunnel 15:17
Marine Parade 15:19
Madeira Drive 15:20
Ian Davey, BHCC’s lead member for transport, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting part of this flagship event. Residents and visitors will be able to watch for free from various vantage points along the way and many thousands will also view it on TV which will be a great showcase for Brighton.
“We wish all the riders well in this challenging race and look forward to welcoming them to our cycle-friendly city.”
Commuter cycling in Brighton & Hove more than doubled between the 2001 and 2011 Censuses – to over 6,600 people a day riding to work, the biggest percentage increase in the UK outside London.
The council has supported a number of sustainable transport schemes to make roads safer. The city has an impressive cycle network and reduced speed limits in certain areas have helped make cycling a safer experience. A new cycle hub, with storage for 500 bikes as well as well as changing facilities, café and a repair shop, is due to open at Brighton Station in October 2014.
Notes for editors
Cycling in Brighton & Hove
In 2005 Brighton & Hove was designated one of Cycling England's first six Cycling Demonstration Towns, a government- backed move to promote cycling as a mode of transport. The city is also part of the National Cycle Network
Some of the city’s highlights for cycling enthusiasts include:
• a big mountain biking scene, with the South Downs National Park literally on the doorstep of the city
• the cycling themed Velo Cafe at the Level - a popular new meeting point for cyclists www.velo-cafe.co.uk
• the oldest cycle track in the country at Preston Park. The Preston Park Velodrome attracted a visit from Sir Chris Hoy this year and still hosts racing. It is free to use if not booked out.
Most people are familiar with the annual London to Brighton Bike Ride in June, plus the city also hosts the finale of off-road and night time versions of the event. And of course, the Naked Bike, also held in June, whilst attracting less participants, certainly raises just as much attention.
More information about cycling in Brighton can be found on the VisitBrighton website www.visitbrighton.com/things-to-do/parks-and-gardens/countryside/cycling-in-and-around-brighton and for information about cycle facilities such as cycle parking, counters, cycle routes and 'toucan' crossings see the City Cycle Facilities Map