Sussex: To Host Part Of Tour Of Britain
1 April 2014, 08:12 | Updated: 1 April 2014, 08:16
The Tour of Britain will return to the south coast this September for a stage finish in Brighton, as Sussex hosts the penultimate leg of this year’s race.
Stage Seven on Saturday 13th September will see the world’s top riders racing through West and East Sussex, and taking on the famous climb of Ditchling Beacon, before the finish on Marine Drive in Brighton.
Race Director Mick Bennett. said: “We are delighted to be bringing The Tour of Britain to Sussex and Brighton for the first time in the race’s modern history.
“While the finish in Brighton is definitely one for the sprinters, the South Downs and Ditchling Beacon in the closing kilometres will pose a real challenge to them, and set up what I am sure will be a fantastic finish on the seafront.”
The stage has been made possible thanks to West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council.
Having started at Camberley in Surrey Heath, Stage Seven will first cross into West Sussex, passing through the likes of Horsham and Haywards Heath.
Commenting on the announcement, Louise Goldsmith, the Leader of West Sussex County Council said;
“I am delighted that we will welcome The Tour of Britain through West Sussex this September. It will be a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful county as a destination for cyclists and I am sure the event will also act as a tremendous boost to the local economy.”
Heading through East Sussex Uckfield, Eastbourne and Newhaven will all feature, with several sections on or close to the seafront, before the race crosses back over the South Downs for the climb of Ditchling Beacon.
“We are delighted to welcome such a high profile sporting event to East Sussex. We are sure that residents and visitors will come out in force and support the riders as they race through some of the wonderful countryside and historic towns and villages we all enjoy,” said Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council
The stage finish in Brighton will come just over 20-years after the Tour de France finish in the city, and 24-years since the last time a Tour of Britain came to Brighton.
Deputy leader, cyclist and lead councillor for transport at Brighton and Hove City Council Ian Davey said: “It’s so apt that a stage of the race should finish in a city which has seen an explosion of cycling in recent years. As a city we’re really improving cycling facilities so now I’m hopeful The Tour of Britain will inspire even more people to take up cycling f or fitness, recreation and transport.”
Final route details for Stage Seven will be announced in the Summer, along with details of the leg’s Yodel Direct Sprints and SKODA King of the Mountains climbs.
The 2014 Tour of Britain will begin in Liverpool on Sunday 7th September, finishing eight days later in central London with a double-header final day, featuring an individual time trial and circuit race finishing on Whitehall.
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