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Tour of Britain

THE WORLD’S top cyclists will be in Darlington on Sunday for the start of the second stage of the Tour of Britain 2009.

The Tour of Britain 2009 is one of the UK’s biggest professional bicycle races and the centrepiece of the British sporting calendar.

It returns to Darlington for a second year following the success of the event in the town last year.

Darlington is set to host the start of the second stage of the race, which will see 96 of the world’s top cyclists start on their 153.3km stage at 10.15am from the Market Cross, West Row (outside the indoor market/opposite House of Fraser).

The cyclists will be initially led out by Ada Burns, Chief Executive of Darlington Borough Council and ladies from the ‘Beauty and Bike Initiative’.

There have been lots of activities throughout the town in the run up to the tour; including children’s workshops to make flags, banners and noise makers to cheer on the competitors at the race start. 

On the morning of the race there will be some great family entertainment, including Bicycle Ballet, cyclists riding to music, the Bread and Butter Street Theatre Company and the Baghdaddies band to entertain the crowds.

Spectators will be able to quench their thirst from the Blender Vendor, a bicycle that makes smoothies, the Triathlon club will be on High Row, inviting people to get on the club’s bike and have a go.

John Williams, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome back the Tour of Britain to Darlington for a second year and are proud to host the start of the region’s second stage. 

“The Tour of Britain offers Darlington a great opportunity to welcome residents and visitors into the town centre and to give the cyclists a great start to their racing day.  Our staff have worked very hard to ensure the town is ready to welcome the cyclists; along with the crowds.  There is fantastic entertainment lined up to add to the spectacle of one of Britain’s biggest cycle races and parking is free all day in the town, so please do come along and join in the atmosphere.

“Let’s hope we have good weather and a great turnout of supporters to spur the cyclists on their way.”

Stella Hall, Creative Director of culture10 at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said:

“Darlington proved to be a highlight of last year’s The Tour of Britain and this year will be no exception.  Riders can expect a fantastic send-off from a packed crowd of spectators from across Darlington and the surrounding areas.

“People in the North East are known for being passionate about sport and The Tour of Britain is a brilliant demonstration of how people can support and actively engage in the world-class sporting events that we are proud to welcome to our region.”

Darlington gained its status as one of the very first cycling towns in 2005, and is also a Sustainable Travel Demonstration Town, providing a perfect backdrop for a competition of this type and calibre.

The stage will start at the Market Cross, West Row, (outside the Indoor Market/opposite House of Fraser) and continue down to Tubwell Row, along Yarm Road, past Morton Park onto the A66 bypass to Sadberge, before turning left through Sadberge village to Sedgefield, Fishburn and Shincliffe towards Aykley Heads, Langley, Harelaw, High Barns, Morpeth, Seaton Sluice and finally finishing in NewcastleGateshead.

The Tour of Britain forms part of NewcastleGateshead’s world-class programme of festivals and events in 2009, managed by culture10.

Due to the Tour of Britain motorists and visitors need to be aware that the following road closures will be in place:

 6pm Saturday September 12 2009 – 1pm Sunday 13 2009
• East Row
• Horsemarket
• Bull Wynd

4am – 1pm Sunday September 13 2009

• Blackwellgate northern carriageway – from Skinnergate to High Row
• All of High Row
• All of Post House Wynd
 
9.45am to 10.30am Sunday September 13 2009

• Priestgate - from Crown Street to Prebend Row
• Prebend Row - from Priestgate to Tubwell Row
• Crown Street - from Tubwell Row to East Street
• Stonebridge -  from Crown Street to St Cuthberts Way
• All of Tubwell Row

4am – 1pm Sunday September 13 2009

• West Row

10am – 10.30am Sunday 13 September 2009

• St Cuthbert’s Way - from Victoria Road to Freemans Place
• All of Tubwell Row
• All of Parkgate
• Yarm Road - from Parkgate to A66
• A66 from Yarm Road to Great Burdon Roundabout
• A66 from Great Burdon Roundabout to Sadberge exit slip
• Slip road leaving A66 east-bound towards Sadberge
• Hillhouse Lane leaving Sadberge north-bound towards Sedgefield

The Tour of Britain 2009 takes place over eight days, starting in North Lincolnshire on Saturday September 12 and finishing in central London on Saturday September 19.

For more information about the start of the Tour of Britain 2009 Stage in Darlington, or road closures, call the Council’s Event Manager, Marion Bynoe on 07966 347095.

For more information about the Tour of Britain visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk