Ten reasons to love the Tour of Britain
The Tour of Britain is back for 2013, from 15-22 September. Is it just a poor relation of the better-known pro cycling races? Not a bit of it. Here are our top ten reasons for loving the Tour of Britain...
1. Get up close to some of the world’s top cycling talent
The Tour of Britain is the UK’s biggest free spectator sports event – where else could you see athletes like Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish in your own neck of the woods? If you’ve never experienced the mounting anticipation of the riders getting closer, and the buzz as they whoosh past, you definitely should.
2. It’s a race with a huge heritage
There’s a lot of history behind the Tour of Britain. The event dates back to the first British stage races held just after the Second World War, when cycle racing on public highways was a contentious issue. Since those days various different events have come under the ‘Tour of Britain’ name, including the Milk Race, which ran from 1960-1993. The modern era of the Tour of Britain began in 2004 and the event is now part of the UCI Europe Tour.
3. Not one but two home teams to cheer on!
Team Sky are the British-based outfit who’ve had huge success in recent years, and enter the Tour hot on the heels of two back-to-back Tour de France victories. But Great Britain also has a national team in the running. Solution: cheer both!
4. It’s brilliant for photographers
There’s nothing quite like the sight of a peloton in full flight. The colours, the speed, the grimacing faces and straining muscles – they’re all challenges for pro and amateur photographers alike. So why not fire up your DSLR, bag a great spot along the route, and see if you can capture your own iconic moment?
5. It shows off Britain’s spectacular scenery
It’s not just France or Italy that stage stunning cycle races. This year’s Tour of Britain passes through four National Parks – and the jaw-dropping beauty of the Lake District, Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor is sure to provide a gorgeous backdrop to the race. Who needs the Eurovision Song Contest to show off our best bits?
6. Embrace the best of British eccentricity
Cycling fans can get pretty passionate. So why not show the rest of the world how we British support our riders by making your own banners, chalking messages of support on the road, ringing cowbells or football rattles, or dressing up? It’s a thoroughly acceptable chance to let your inner eccentric out.
7. Leave your passport at home
Last year we had the Olympic road race. Next year we’ve got the Grand Depart of the Tour de France. The Tour of Britain is this year’s big ticket cycling event, happening on our own shores. No need to book that trip to mainland Europe. No need to get that passport photo updated. And if you’re really lucky, you might not even need to leave your own hometown. This is our very own Tour, and it’s happening on our doorstep.
8. Meet some very nice people
If you head for one of the eight places chosen to host the start of a stage in this year’s race, you might be lucky enough to mingle with the riders and crews before they get going, and even pick up some autographs. But if you’re watching from along the route, you’ll find you’re just as likely to rub shoulders with some lovely people. Abby told us: ‘When I pitched up to watch the Road Race in Surrey last year my boyfriend and I got on so well with the people we were stood next to that they invited us to their house afterwards for gin and tonics!’ Free drinks aren’t guaranteed of course, but it’s a well known fact that fans of cycling are jolly nice people.
9. Make a day of it
Why not make the most of the free sporting action and plan a bit of a day out? Put your bikes in the car, check out some local routes, plan a pub lunch, cream tea or chip shop stop-off. Some of the stages of this year’s race pass through or near to some amazing tourist attractions too (like Knowsley Safari Park, Hay Tor on Dartmoor, and the Tower of London), so why not make it a really special day out?
10. Win an awesome prize
By taking part in our Tour of Britain competition you could win some awesome prizes – including a ride in one of the team cars on the race, and a top spec Pinarello road bike. Find out more and have a go here.
Inspired to get cycling? Join a free guided bike ride or create your own.
More on the Tour of Britain:
Our indispensable guide to the 2013 Tour of Britain
Fourteen facts you probably didn’t know about the Tour of Britain
Women’s Grand Prix adds something extra to the Tour of Britain
