Stage Four of the Tour of Britain makes its way through Southwell
Cycling fever came to Southwell this afternoon (Friday) as the Tour of Britain made its way through the town.
Racing began along Stage Four’s 86 mile route at 11am this morning in Derby, before passing through rural Derbyshire and entering Nottinghamshire at Eastwood.
Riders will travel through Hucknall, Ravenshead, and Blidworth, finding familiar surroundings on the roads of Southwell, Caunton, and Tuxford, before crossing the River Trent and heading south through Fledborough and Girton.
Then Collingham marks the start of a sprint section, setting up an exciting end to a day of racing with riders powering through Coddington and down to the finish line at Sconce and Devon Park.
Southwell & District Lions were on had to help with the road closures and safety during the event.
Secretary Ian Robinson said: “It’s such a lovely event for the town, there’s already lots of people here getting involved and volunteering as well.
“We’re making sure people are safe, and they’re doing a great job.”
Among those who arrived early to make sure they secured a prime spot along the course were fellow cyclists Robert Hurst, from Fulbeck, and Tony Hull from Scopwick, were taking a break
Tony said he’s a big cycling fan: “I love the excitement and the speed of the race, and the test it gives you.”
Robert added: “The last time we watched it at the finish in Newark, and we wanted to watch it here so we’ve stopped for a coffee.”
Taking up prime position to watch the race at the Burgage were a group of five friends from Rolleston, including sisters Brenda Pride and Linda Wilson, who sported natty Robin Hood-style hats to get into the spirit of the event.
Brenda said that they’ve watched the race together for the past few years:
“It’s lovely event and always a great atmosphere, it’s really good for the town and it gets people in. We always love it.”
A group of Wymeswold Wheelers had also cycled all the way to Southwell to watch the riders come through, and were planning to go on to Newark to watch the finish as well.
Wheelers Jacqui Cersey said: “We’re here first to soak up the atmosphere, it’s fantastic.”
Among the crowds gathering on the corner of Queen Street in prime position were superfans Kerry Garton and Larry Morrissey, from Trowell and Beeston respectively.
Kerry said: “We come every year and we’re big fans!
“It’s so much fun and it’s free! We love it all — the build up, the excitement, and the best thing is you’re surrounded by people who are also sharing that excitement with you so you can share the enthusiasm and excitement.
“It’s such a lovely thing for the town, and when times are hard like they have been, it’s good to see that excitement on people.”
One of the crowd’s youngest fans were eight-month-old Rudy Martin who was watching along with his parents Amy and Rhys.
Next to them with their three-month-old miniature Dachsund Fern were Alec Hampson and Fynnola Campbell, as Alec is a big fan of the event himself.
He said: “This is the first year we’ve been able to watch it as it comes through the town, and it gives everyone the opportunity to see an elite spectacle and the atmosphere it creates.
“It’s also nice to see some famous athletes.”
Out in force to support the Tour of Britain were little ones and their carers from Prebend Preschool, who had created their own flags to wave and cheer on the riders.
Manager Jeannine Evison said: “We like to bring the children every year, it’s nice for them to be a part of the community events.”
Aspire Hair Studio’s owner Fiona Shaw said that she had rescheduled some of the client’s hair appointments today to ensure everyone could get in and out of Southwell without too many issues — and ensured her client Jeanette Newsome was able to have her colour done in time to watch the riders come past from the comfort of her salon chair!
She said: “It’s an amazing event for the town.”
The elite cyclists cycled through Southwell just before 1pm this afternoon, and were scheduled to arrive at the finish line in Newark around 2.30pm.
