The prestigious Tour of Britain cycle race is returning to Nottinghamshire and people in areas ranging from Calverton to Worksop will be able to catch a glimpse of the riders. The tour, sponsored by AJ Bell, started on September 4 in Scotland and lasts until September 11, when it will finish in the Isle of Wight.
Nottinghamshire will also be seeing a fair slice of the action as it hosts the fifth stage of the race on Thursday, September 8. It's the third time the race has visited the county, with Nottinghamshire having also played a central role in 2017 and 2018.
The Nottinghamshire stage starts in West Bridgford and finishes in Mansfield, with the peloton passing through East Lake, Radcliffe on Trent, Calverton, Southwell, Retford and Worksop. Here are some of the key details you need to know ahead of the race arriving in Nottinghamshire.
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What times does it start?
The action begins at around 10.45am on Central Avenue in West Bridgford, where the neutralised start takes place. This part of the race allows a safe rolling start to take place before the proper start of the race, which takes place at 11am on Wilford Lane.
Within the 30 minutes from the start of the race, the riders will be passing through areas including Bunny, East Leake and Keyworth. The action then progresses to areas including Cotgrave and Cropwell Bishop.
Where else can I see the race?
After passing through Radcliffe on Trent, the race will pass through areas including Burton Joyce and Calverton before reaching Southwell at around 1pm. The race then makes its way on to North Nottinghamshire, passing through villages including Upton and East Drayton before reaching Retford at around 2pm.
The race will the pass through areas including Worksop, Ollerton and Edwinstowe. People in Worksop should be able to see the riders at around 2.15pm, when the race arrives in the town before going down Potter Street to reach Sparken Hill.
When does the race finish?
Mansfield will once again be acting as the stage finish for this year's race. The race enters Mansfield Woodhouse at around 2.50pm before heading through Leeming Lane, Old Mill Lane, Rock Hill, St Peter's Gate and finally Chesterfield Road South, where the race is set to finish at around 3pm.
Adam Hill, the CEO of Mansfield District Council, said: "It's going to be amazing and a great fun day out for all ages. There'll be lots to do and plenty of activities to keep youngsters entertained. It is testament to Mansfield's skill at hosting these kinds of major prestigious events, that Tour of Britain is returning to this district for a third time in recent years.
"The local community have really got behind the event - their efforts to decorate the area are fantastic and we can't thank them enough. I would like to offer a special shout-out to the people of Warsop, Mansfield Woodhouse and Forest Town, for really getting into the spirit of the event."
The Chesterfield Road Park will be hosting activities from 11am until around 3pm, with BMX cycling sessions and live music being among the offerings. Mansfield District Council expects thousands to be in the area for the finish.
How can I watch the race at home?
If you're not able to make it out and about on the day, ITV4 are hosting live coverage of the event as well as a highlights programme in the evening. Mick Bennett, the race director for the AJ Bell Tour of Britain, said: "I would like to welcome all the teams, riders and staff coming to the AJ Bell Tour of Britain this year, and particularly those making the trip to the UK, that we understand has become considerably more expensive and logistically complicated in the past year.
"Their support of the tour is appreciated and we know that they will all be given a warm welcome by British fans. We are also privileged to be returning to some old favourites like the Scottish Borders and Nottinghamshire."
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