Last updated 7 September 2023
Stockport Comes out in Force to Support Tour of Britain
Stockport crowds contributed to an estimated 500,000 spectators over the 163.6-kilometre route of the Greater Manchester opening stage of the Tour of Britain on Sunday.
Top right image courtesy of SWpix.com
The sprint through Hazel Grove was exhilarating as Tanfield took maximum points, but Jumbo–Visma took charge in the final stretch and onto the finish line. As Olav Kooij sprinted to win the Tour of Britain 2023 opening stage, Wout van Aert closely followed on his wheel to take second in front of a packed crowd on Deansgate in Manchester. The Dutchman will wear the leader’s jersey in the second stage in and around Wrexham with a 110-kilometre route starting and finishing on Chester Street in the city.
Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, said: "It was fantastic to see spectators lining the streets, and the community getting behind the peloton as it battled and raced through the borough. It was a true sporting spectacle for all".
Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services, added: "This extraordinary Town of Culture event went beyond the race, it inspired a sense of community, and celebration and hopefully inspired people to get out and enjoy time on their bikes along the new and improved active travel network in our beautiful borough."
Additional community cycling events supported the day; at Torkington Park, the council partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester to celebrate active travel in the area. Councillor Baynham attended on the day to give out some cycling goodies. Stockport residents benefitted from a free bike check-up and maintenance from Never Mind the Bike Shops, with lots more people coming along on the day to find out about the improvements and new routes in the area for cycling.
A 'Beat the Sprint' cycling challenge honoured the sprint that passed directly in front of Hazel Grove Life Leisure Centre. Spin bikes were set up to see how Stockport locals fared over 800 metres. Fifty people had a go on the day, with Stockport Community Cycling Club members putting on a good show. The ‘Hats off’ land art, in tribute to the history of Stockport and local Olympic cyclist Alan Newton, was well received by the crowds and featured in the TV coverage on the day.
Full results and standings of stage one.
For more information on cycling in Stockport