Just one week to go! Nuneaton hosts world class cycling event

A giant television screen will be installed in Nuneaton town centre to give visitors the chance to watch Britain’s biggest professional cycling race live.

The screen will be in the town centre on Wednesday, September 5, as part of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain celebrations.

In operation from 10am until 4pm, it will be a chance for spectators to see the riders head off from the start line in Nuneaton for the Warwickshire stage and then make their way throughout the five districts of Warwickshire.

It will be located at the junction of Bridge Street and Church Street (outside Wilko) and will be just one of many events and attractions that will be taking place on the day.

Nuneaton’s award-winning market with an array of stalls on offer will be on until 4pm in the main pedestrian area of the town centre.

In keeping with the biking theme, BMX stunt riders will also be showcasing their talents throughout the morning starting at 9am in Abbey Street Car Park and balance bikes will be available for youngsters.

Cllr Julie Jackson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said:

“We are so pleased to be hosts of this magnificent event for the first time, we hope that you have fun watching the race and enjoy the many attractions that our fine town has to offer.

“Please come and join us on the 5th September to cheer the riders on and enjoy some lively entertainment.

“We hope you and your family have a fantastic day out and enjoy spending time in Nuneaton and the surrounding area.”

The Warwickshire stage of the ride will kick-off at 11am from Nuneaton town centre and finish in Royal Leamington Spa later in the afternoon. 

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council, added:

“Hosting the OVO Energy Tour of Britain for the first time marks another fantastic achievement for Warwickshire. 

“An event like this shines a global spotlight on Nuneaton and all of the county, which is extremely positive for everyone. The county council and our partners have great ambitions for the town and this kind of international profile is an excellent kickstart for that programme of works.

"It is such a great event that all of our towns, villages and communities can get involved with and get behind and a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that Warwickshire has to offer from its towns to its countryside to a global audience. 

“It would be great to channel the energy from the OVO Energy Women’s Tour and build on the impressive numbers that lined the streets in June.

“With so much going on at the start, and a chance to watch the rest of the race on the big screen, I would encourage people to head down and see what Nuneaton has to offer."

From Nuneaton, competitors will head towards Atherstone before taking in the North Warwickshire countryside and then arrive in Meriden.

It will then head to the University of Warwick, before passing Kenilworth and Warwick Castles. Heading south into Stratford upon Avon, competitors will also have to take on three SKODA King of the Mountain climbs again – an ascent of more than 1,700 metres.

The first of those will be at Ilmington, before the second at Edge Hill on the outskirts of Arlescote while the third is at Burton Dassett Country Park.

It will then head through Moreton Morrell, Wellesbourne, Kineton, Tysoe and Shipston-on-Stour, Fenny Compton and Southam, and then towards Princethorpe in Rugby before ending in a sprint up the parade in Royal Leamington Spa.