As the world’s best professional cyclists prepare to tackle the Tour of Britain this Autumn, ferry company Wightlink is highlighting the delights and challenges of the race’s final stage around and across the Isle of Wight.
Experienced local cyclists have produced a short film for the ferry company to reveal the spectacular scenery and challenging gradients that await up to 120 riders on Sunday 11th September.
The 8-day race starts in Aberdeen on Sunday 4th September and will conclude here on the Island, with the final 150km stage starting in Ryde and finishing at The Needles.
Members of the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team know the Island’s roads better than anyone else and are pleased to share their insights in the film.
Julie Cooper from the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team says:
“We are absolutely thrilled that the eyes of the world will be focused on the Isle of Wight as the Tour of Britain reaches its climax. Due to significant improvements on the Island over the past few years, we’re really fortunate to be able to cycle on some of the best road surfaces in the country, as the professional riders will find out in September.”
Commentary to the film is provided by rider Martin Sanders who has been part of the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team since 2015. Martin says:
“The Tour of Britain, without doubt, will be one of the most exciting cycling events to ever come to the Isle of Wight. We are so excited to see some of the world’s top riders tackling the roads that we are fortunate to train on, week in, week out. We can’t wait for September!”
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Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield adds:
“We have a long and proud history of supporting the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team and are really pleased that they have shared their in-depth knowledge of the tour route. Their film showcases the Island’s stunning scenery and highlights the Island as a top destination for cyclists.
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the final stage of this year’s Tour of Britain and are looking forward to bringing competitors and spectators to the Island. We are sure this will be a thrilling end to the Tour of Britain 2022.”
Keen amateur cyclists can experience the Island’s top cycling conditions for themselves, as the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team will be holding its own IOW Open Time Trial Championship event on Sunday 4th September. The Team has chosen a classic sporting course covering many of the roads to be used in the Tour of Britain the following week. See www.facebook.co.uk/WightlinkRT for details.
Looks Brilliant! I challenge anyone not to cycle these parts and not smile. 🙂
I challenge anyone not to try to go about their normal business while the cyclists are in these parts without crying…
I was knocked over by a cyclist while walking on one of the FOOTPATHS that is shown in this clip…
move back to the mainland then!
That’s a well thought out argument.
Just shows tight lycra can affect the blood suppy to the brain…
Please ferry companies do not let anyone down, we so need this to go well. This can be a big showcase for the islands attractive scenery
Yeah like the closed shops, housing developments and druggies on the streets, how delightful.
I think the biggest challenge would be waiting for the ferry and hoping ONE will sail… !!! Oh do they get discount..??
Annoys me NHS staff get 40% discount… Islanders get 10%….
Utter retards riding along military road at about 9mph 2 abreast. MOVE OVER!! I have no consideration for the cyclists that refuse to do so when I pass them. Fuck off elsewhere.
dry your eyes Brucie Boy!!
If you have a problem overtaking a bike doing 9 mph perhaps you should surrender your lisence?, considering you are also completely unaware of the Highway Code!…
I have no problem passing them. I pass them 17 times faster than they travel. I’m a far better rider than you are a driver. That I’m certain of considering your spelling of simple words is embarrassing. Good luck when you get out of school little man.
I think you’ll find that these riders go a lot faster than you expect.