World’s best cyclists to race through Seend

VILLAGERS in Seend are to have the world’s best cyclists racing past their doors as the Tour of Britain comes through Seend this week. 

Elite cyclists from across the world are due in Seend on Friday 12th September as part of the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and the country’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event.

This year will see stage six pass through Wiltshire as the route goes from Bath to Hemel Hempstead.

Thousands of people are expected to line-up along the route in the county and motorists are being advised that the main A361 will be closed from 10.30am as the riders pass Seend on their way to Devizes before heading out of the county towards west Berkshire. The road will reopen when the cyclists have passed through and it is safe to do so. In Seend, anyone wishing to come and see Sir Bradley Wiggins and the Tour of Britain passing along the High Street, are advised that parking will be open and available from 9am at the Seend Community Centre. There will also be refreshments available  from 10am.  The High Street will be closed to traffic from approx 10.30am so please get to your viewing points well in advance.

Please access the parking from the Lye entrance and not along Rusty Lane. Parking in the Lye Field will be free. However there will be volunteers walking around with buckets if anyone would like to make a donation towards the upkeep of the field. Toilet facilities will be available in the Community Centre.

Race director Mick Bennett said, “We’re hoping to see lots of spectators at the roadside throughout Wiltshire on the 12th September cheering on and supporting the world’s top riders. Stage six will be one of the most challenging legs of the Friends Life Tour of Britain, stretching across the country from Bath in the west to the Chilterns and Hemel Hempstead in the east.

For more information on the Tour of Britain and the route visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk

Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott added, “We are really looking forward to seeing our local communities come out to support the riders at the roadside, and I hope that by seeing the race first hand it will inspire people to get out and about on their bikes across the many beautiful cycle routes that we offer in Wiltshire. I am aware that the communities on the route are planning lots of activities and are looking forward to showcasing what makes them unique. We hope that local schools will also take the opportunity to allow the schoolchildren to see the race and show their support for the elite riders. Personally I am looking forward to seeing the riders pass in front of County Hall in Trowbridge and we are currently making plans for how we welcome them in Wiltshire.”