Tour of Britain launch

Cyclists Steven Burke (front left) and Richard Handley (front right) with organisers and local cyclists help to launch Stage One of the Tour of Britain at the town hall

Stage One of the Tour of Britain, which starts in Rochdale town centre next month was officially launched today (Tuesday 24 August).

Top cyclists Steven Burke and Richard Handley joined tour organisers, representatives from Rochdale Borough Council, Link4Life, the North West Regional Development Agency and local cycling enthusiasts at the town hall before taking part in a mini trial ride of the first part of the course. Steven won a Bronze Medal at the 2008 Olympics and Richard is one of the UK’s most promising young riders. Both will be taking part in the Tour of Britain.

Stage One of the 2010 Tour will take the 100 professional riders, including famous names like Olympians Bradley Wiggins and Ed Clancy, the 133 kilometres from Rochdale to Blackpool.

The North West has been a fixture on the route of The Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest professional cycle race, every year since the tour’s rebirth in 2004, when the race began in Manchester.

Rochdale will be celebrating the first visit by The Tour of Britain on Saturday 11 September.

Council Leader, Councillor Irene Davidson said she is very pleased that Rochdale is hosting such a prestigious race: “The Tour of Britain provides an ideal opportunity for our residents to watch one of the biggest cycling events in the British calendar. It’s going to be a great spectator event and there will be lots going on, a real party atmosphere. Residents will get a chance to witness firsthand the spectacle of a professional cycle race. It may even inspire some of our residents to take up cycling themselves."

Sheldon Phillips, Head of Regional Major Events, at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) said: “We are once again delighted to welcome ‘The Tour’ to England’s Northwest. Since 2004, the region has seen some of the world’s most competitive cyclist’s power through our cities, towns and rural spaces, providing a wonderful spectacle for visitors to the area. “

Race Director Mick Bennett added: The North West has provided a fantastic venue for The Tour over the past six editions of the race, so I’m sure it will do so once again in 2010. We have an excellent, world-class field of riders from 17 top teams taking part in The Tour of Britain this year, so whether spectators are coming to Rochdale, Blackpool or one of the King of the Mountains climbs in the Forest of Bowland, they are in for an unforgettable experience.”