GKN Aerospace has signed up to support this September’s Isle of Wight stage of the Tour of Britain as the official fan hub sponsor for the final leg of the national tour.
More than 100 of the world’s top cyclists will be racing from Ryde to a thrilling uphill finish at The Needles in a 93-mile stage that will take in Sandown, Yarmouth, Cowes, Newport, and Ventnor as well as many other communities across the Island.
Through the partnership, GKN Aerospace – which has 2 factories in East Cowes – will be the presenting partner of the Tour Villages at the start in Ryde and the finish of the stage at The Needles. GKN Aerospace will also be supporting communities across the Isle of Wight to celebrate the Tour of Britain’s arrival through special ‘Tour Takeover’ packs that will be available in the build-up to the race.
John Pritchard, President of Civil Airframe GKN Aerospace, said:
“It is great to be partnering with the Tour Series and to support this fantastic bike-racing event. GKN Aerospace is the global technology leader in innovative lightweight composite aircraft components. Lightweight composites are also a key material for racing bikes. We are a good match and we cannot wait to get involved.”
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration and business development at the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to have one of the world’s leading aerospace suppliers, and such a prominent Island employer, supporting the Isle of Wight stage of the Tour of Britain.
“As we edge closer to the event, I’m excited to hear more about the special ‘Tour Takeover’ packs which will support our local communities celebrate this most wonderful occasion. The positive support of GKN is most welcome and continues the good news as we build up to the big day!”
Article continues below this advertisement
GKN Aerospace join Wightlink, Red Funnel, South Western Railways and Mountbatten as previously announced partners of the Isle of Wight’s first-ever Tour of Britain stage.
ITV4 will broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage and a nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch wherever they are. The race will also be shown in over 150 countries worldwide, thanks to the event’s partnerships with Eurosport and the Global Cycling Network.
I couldn’t cycle round the island. I would feel trapped like i did all the time i lived down there.
It will be the only supporter of this lot. Prepare to be shouted out if you dare get in the way of this lycra tide that will cause total chaos and upheaval, not to mention a few accidents too. Oh it’s only on ITV4, who the hell watches that anyway.
Well to all GKN staff at least you know why the companies pay offer is so derisory
Oh it’s not all the staff Steve, Team Leaders and above have all done very well lately, it’s the Men and Women in blue who are getting offered next to nothing.
I wouldn’t worry too much about team leaders and above creaming off the profits, most will be sacked when Melrose sells GKN. Their ill sold gains won’t last, which is why they were paid a lot more…. fodder.