Littleborough ready for the Tour de France

Littleborough ready for the Tour de France - Rake Tapas

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

Littleborough is raring to go to and is ready to see the Tour de France pass through tomorrow (Sunday 6 July).

Local businesses have turned yellow to welcome the event with Best Dressed putting up a special window display for the event.

The Rake Tapas has decorated the outside of their restaurant with yellow bikes for all to see.

The Star Tree Studio have been preparing for a number of weeks and will be in Hare Hill Park tomorrow giving people the opportunity to decorate
wooden bikes.

Local residents are also ready to welcome the event with many people heading up to Blackstone Edge to witness this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Jonathan Smith, an avid cycling fan, said: “Its good news that the race is coming here. As a cycling fan I will be heading up to watch it and then I am travelling down to London to watch it there as well. It’s going to be good.”

Tanya Stokes is pleased the race is coming to the area. She said: “Its never happened here before so it is good that is will be happening here. It's good news for the town.”

John Mansley said: “It is a good thing and it seems to have generated a lot of interest locally. I also think it is good that the French are moving it around.”

Helen Mansley added: “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity so people should try and watch it.”

Simon Askew said: “Its great for Littleborough and it is good for the local community. It seems to have brought people together and really
generated a big community spirit.”

Alex Smith, who was in Littleborough to support a team at the Dragon Boat Race for Springhill Hospice, travelled from Blackley in Manchester to see the race. He said: “I have come to support Blackley in the boat race but am going to stick around and try and watch the race. It is something I am interested in and its not going to happen again so I want to try and see it.”

This is the first time since 2007 that the Tour de France is passing through England. On Sunday, around a kilometre of the route will pass into Littleborough at approximately 1.00pm – along a section of B6138 and the A58 adjacent to Blackstone Edge reservoir.

Rochdale Online will have a team of reporters and photographers on the scene to keep you up-to-date and report on the race.