The Isle of Wight could host the finale of an international sporting spectacle in 2021 — promising a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy.
Exciting proposals to bring the Tour of Britain cycle race to the Island in September 2021 have been confirmed by the Isle of Wight Council today (Tuesday 31 December) – 3 months after Island Echo first reported on plans to bring back a major cycling event to the garden isle.
Not only could the Island welcome some of cycling’s biggest names in action — but the Tour could even be decided here, as thousands line the streets and millions more watch around the world.
Councillor Wayne Whittle, Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, said:
“What a major coup this would be for the Island to host the UK’s leading professional multi-stage cycling road race and the biggest free-to-watch spectator event in the country.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the stunning landscapes of the Island to a global audience, attracting spectators both locally and from afar to enjoy world-class cycling and to support our economy through hotel stays or spending money in local shops and businesses.”
The tour regularly attracts the world’s top cyclists, including Olympic and world champions and Tour de France winners, who compete over 8 days each September in the UCI ProSeries event.
A single stage can attract upwards of 150,000 spectators and generate the equivalent of £1.2million in free advertising with free to air live TV coverage on ITV4 and Eurosport in the UK and around the world.
With its mix of stunning landscapes and gruelling terrain, council leader Dave Stewart said the Isle of Wight would provide a spectacular finale to the UK’s biggest bike race. He said:
“The Tour Series was a huge success when it came to Ryde four years ago and the Tour of Britain promises to be even bigger and involve the whole Island. While the route has yet to be decided, we envisage Ryde hosting the start and one of the Island’s iconic landmarks hosting the finish.
“Estimates from other councils staging similar stages have shown up to a 40 per cent increase in visitor numbers and a £4 million economic boost to their local economy. Add to this the legacy of support for our Island’s cycling ambitions and it really is good news.”
To give some scale to the event, the organisers will provide more than 40 motorcycle outriders to ensure safe rolling road closures for the event convoy. The cyclists are internationally recognised professionals and together with their individual support teams will themselves require up to 400-bed spaces.
Will Myles, managing director at Visit Isle of Wight, said the opportunity to host a stage of the Tour of Britain should not be underestimated:
“You just need to look at the impact cycling has had on Yorkshire tourism to see it is the right move.
“’This is a great opportunity to showcase the Island and everything we have to offer on live national and international TV through the power of sport. Cycling is huge and the people that follow cycling are one of our target markets who visit out of season.”
However, the council has made it clear the plans are dependent on sponsorship being raised towards the costs associated with hosting the event — expected to total around £340,000. The authority is proposing to procure a third-party company to help raise the necessary funds.
Councillor Whittle added:
“Make no mistake, we can’t do this without the support and sponsorship of our business community.
“This is a brilliant opportunity for local businesses and organisations to get their name out there as part of Britain’s premier road cycling event and we will be working with them to maximise the local, national and international exposure this event can create.”
A decision is set to be made by the Council during a Cabinet meeting in Whitwell on 9th January at 17:00.
Let’s hope the council surport it and make the most of this opportunity
Olly, they will, especially as ‘some’ have vested interests in more crowds, more sells of ice’s, burgers etc yet paying casual labour rates to maximise takings.
This is pure pie in the sky. More chance of holding a flying pig festival….
A brilliant idea to host the Tour of Britain race on the Island. We just need to ensure the roads they will be using are fit for purpose, the participants can be accommodated in the few remaining hotels we have, and spectators are safely looked after too. Not much to ask, and I’m sure our council is up to the job!
And a supply of buckets because the public toilets have been closed. Lol
Yes this would be fantastic, so exciting. I do hope it happens.
Ferry firms wringing their hands already thinking how much they can push prices up
Oh great, hours of locked down and shut roads, putting ordinary people at risk in the event of a domestic emergency. Not to mention the inconvenience to cater for these drug pumped nitwits, as they take 45 seconds to flash by while your road stays shut for two hours or more before and afterwards.