The historic seaside town of Ryde will host the start of the final stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race on Sunday 11th September, securing its place in what will be one of the biggest sporting events to ever take place on the Island.
More than 100 of the world’s best riders will compete on the Island this September, with a large crowd comprising both local residents and race fans expected to turn out for this unforgettable, free-to-watch spectacle. It is estimated 100,000 spectators will line the route, with around 10,000 of those coming from the mainland.
The race’s 2022 finale has been 2 years in the making, with preliminary details having first been announced in July 2020. The full route for Stage 8 and its finish location will be revealed in due course, with early indication the finish will be a hilly climax.
Ryde is no stranger to cycling, having previously hosted the Pearl Izumi Tour Series in 2015, which was also run by Tour of Britain organiser SweetSpot. The town will this year be thrust into the spotlight with the race being broadcast internationally on ITV4 and Eurosport.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, has said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the stunning landscapes of the Island as a top class cycling and holiday destination, as well as providing a stern test for the riders in what will be a challenging finale.
“I hope our local communities and businesses embrace having this prestigious, high profile event on the Island and take full advantage of the array of opportunities it has to offer. It’s going to be a brilliant occasion — one we as a council are proud to support.”
Councillor Michael Lilley, Mayor of Ryde, adds:
“As mayor, I am delighted to hear the great news that the Tour of Britain is starting on the Isle of Wight from Ryde.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our historic town’s economy and community. Ryde Town Council are committed to the Isle of Wight UNESCO Biosphere status and a strong green agenda.
“Therefore, celebrating a major cycling event in our town will enable residents and tourists to embrace, enjoy and health-wise benefit cycling as a first choice of mode of transport for work, leisure and tourism.
“This will contribute to reduction of climate change and mental well-being. Ryde has so much to offer visitors to the with events throughout the year and the Tour of Britain will be a crowning glory to our event programme.”
An official sponsor for the Isle of Wight stage is yet to be found and big pockets will be needed as it comes with a whopping £100,000 + VAT price tag.
The full route for Stage 8 on the Isle of Wight will be released in the coming weeks.
The Tour of Britain will start in Aberdeen on 4th September before heading to stages in Scotland, North East & Sunderland, Redcar & North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and then the Isle of Wight.
is estimated 100,000 spectators will line the route, with around 10,000 of those coming from the mainland.
That means 2 thirds of the islands population???? I can Really belive that.
Apparently so. I didn’t realise we on the island loved cycling so much lol
I think that must include people in cars trying to get around
Great publicity for the island but I hope there won’t be weeks of disruption and roadworks beforehand like we had back in 2015.
Me too, it’s the last thing people need. However, I think they will have to. For one, Union Street is in bad need of repair as there are ruts every 20 metres or so. I assume back in 2015 when the racers went up it lap after lap it was smooth as a baby’s bum. Not so now.
This is fantastic news for Ryde and the Island. Such an opportunity to grandstand the scenery and heritage here! Well done to Ali who have worked hard to make it happen.
Who’s this ‘Ali’ that you speak of?
Do you mean ‘Alice’?
in Wonderland?
As someone who has watched a cycle race previously, you really have to be VERY keen to get much from it. A long time standing by the side of a road and then it’s all over in a matter of minutes. Great if you’re really into cycling and know the cyclists but, to be honest, the only ones most of us know are the drug cheats.
But, it puts the Island on the map with TV coverage etc which is a good thing longer term for tourism. I wish though that the Mayor didn’t have to chime in about climate change and ‘cycling as a first choice of mode of transport’. Can we PLEASE just have one event where we’re not lectured and told what we’re doing wrong?
Why? Climate change is an impending (evolving) disaster and our sleepy reaction so far means we need to be reminded at every opportunity.
Big problem for motorists trying to get to and from work…
Ditch the car for one day and cycle to work, who knows, you might even win.
Big problem for those that can’t give up one day without a good old, close minded. Isle of wighter moan
Are you originally from the Island? Seems to be those who weren’t born here are the first to shout ‘moaner’ when original Islanders highlight how their home is being made into a circus
Yawn
I wonder what a sponsor would get for their £100K investment in sponsorship compared to a meagre investment in local advertising media? And 100K spectators? Who dreamed up that figure?
More adrenaline fuelled, lycra clad twits on the roads then, no doubt road closures will be enforced forcing people who live and work here to change their routine to enable the elite to overrun the roads. I have nothing against cyclists who respect the road such as families out for a bike ride, but it’s the thrill seekers just out causing aggro to other road users that really p**s me off.
Jeez, why is everyone here so ruddy negative? This will be filmed and shown on TV, hopefully showcasing our beautiful island and might, just might, bring about interest, tourism and in turn income. What is it with the mentality here. Something negative and people are quick to moan about it here and how awful it all is. Something positive and oh guess what – it’s the same response. I guess some folk are only ‘happy’ when they ‘cannot be happy’. Rather a sad perspective on life I think. Good luck to those competing and happy days to those who embrace it and enjoy a fun event.
People are often negative for a good reason, I suggest you think about that, most people don’t just act like a load of snowflakes. And if you read my comment properly you can see I am being positive too.
Mr lilley, how is this event going to improve our “mental well-being” when we will put up with delays and diversions as we try to do our jobs, as for contributing to the reduction of climate change i fear the exhausts of all the vehicles stuck in traffic jams will hardly help.
Oh dear. Has ANYONE got anything positive to say about this event? And before I get shot down in flames, I’m not a cyclist nor lycra clad (only briefly in the 80s haha) but this COULD/WILL/MIGHT showcase the island. To be honest, I’m amazed any event even bothers coming here. Can we all not find just a little bit of positivity? Or has the island mentality slipped SO much that we want NOTHING here. Blimey, soon we’ll be back to horse and carts and who knows what if people here persist in being SO miserable and wanting NOTHING to take place here. Hmmm, now where is my crochet as I really must make that jumper. NOT.
I’m sure the Ryde Esplanade revamp can be refined to coincide with this. Normal for Wight.
Just another reason to stay well away from wierdo town. The lycra clad huffers and puffers will go down a storm there though!
If the good people of Ryde don’t want the tour then send them to Sandown the TV coverage may highlight the desecration and neglect of a once famous seaside town sadly neglected by the iow council and if we are really lucky one of our own councillors may be passing there TV and see what the town as become ….. East Wight rates money needs to be spent in East Wight.. restore the faith…
What a load of rubbish once again they stop all the motorsport coming to the island as they moan about Shutting the roads but can close the main town roads for men in leotards to Potter round. What a joke