Final preparations under way for Tour of Britain's north-east stage
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The final countdown is on for the Tour of Britain event arriving in the north-east.
Arguably the biggest race in the British cycling calendar, the eighth and final stage will start in Stonehaven at 10.30am on Sunday, September 12, before the 173km route weaves through Aberdeenshire, finishing at Aberdeen Beach.
Excitement is mounting as the cycling community gears up to watch some of the world’s best riders take on the Cairn o’ Mount climb, the sprints and the dramatic finish.
A dedicated website has been set up with information about the Aberdeenshire/City stage and can be found at www.visitabdn.com/tour-of-britain
The route map in detail can be found at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-eight which also includes the timings for each location on the route.
Spectators have been encouraged to consider arriving by public transport to reduce congestion. People driving in the area have been advised to take note of the road closures which may impact your journey. The Aberdeenshire closures can be found at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roadworks and the Aberdeen closures at www.tellmescotland.gov.uk/notices/aberdeen-city/traffic/00000256931
People who plan to watch the race along any part of these routes have been urged to follow guidance:
- Have a plan B – if you arrive to any point on the routes and find it busy, please be prepared to move on to another location.
- Personal responsibility – only stay at a location if you have space. Consider wearing a mask if it makes you feel safer.
- Give people space – avoid crowded areas and remember face coverings are advised as they often help others to feel safe too.
- Parking is limited – particularly on rural stretches, parking will be limited. Please only park where parking is available, stick to local parking restrictions and never park on the route. Can you cycle or walk safely to the location where you want to watch the cyclists pass? Consider public transport where possible.
- Respect the safety of the riders – please give them space as they pass along the routes. Please note that you will not be able to access the team parking areas at the start and finishes.
Aberdeenshire Council Leader councillor Andy Kille said: “It has been so long in the planning that it is hard to believe this race is now just days away.
"My thanks to everyone who has pulled the plans together, under the most unusual circumstances.
“I think that getting the finale started in Aberdeenshire is going to make for a truly spectacular finish. The climbs and sprints, the scenery, the landscape and all the fascinating history along the route will bring Aberdeenshire into a true global spotlight.
"I am also hopeful this will be aspirational. Getting young people out cycling or even getting the rest of us more active could be a transformational legacy.
“I wish the riders all the very best on Sunday.”
Chris Foy, CEO of VisitAberdeenshire said: “On Sunday, spectators will see some of the world’s cycling superstars come to the region in what promises to be an exciting finale to the spectacular Tour of Britain.
"With a nationwide TV audience watching, we have every confidence that the stunning Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire scenery will inspire future visits by cyclists from across the UK.”
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Tour provides a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on our region and showcase what makes this such an amazing place to live, work, visit, invest and do business.
"It has been a long road to get here but we wish the best of the riders and look forward to cheering them on at the finish line.”
