Tour of Britain: What residents need to know

Stage four of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men will pass through Warwickshire on Friday

An annual cycling tour is coming to Warwickshire with more than 100 cyclists passing through the county.

The six-stage Lloyds Tour of Britain Men started on Tuesday and Warwickshire will host the fourth and longest stage of the event on Friday.

It is the third time that the event has passed through the county, and it is free to watch and cheer on the riders.

Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch said the stage would be a "fantastic boost" for the county and encouraged residents to "take to the streets" to support the tour.

"We want this event to write a new chapter in the story of Warwickshire and to spotlight parts of the country that might not be as well known to people from other parts of the UK, and indeed the world," he said.

Where will the riders head?

Competitors will set off from Atherstone in north Warwickshire and wind their way south, finishing at the top of Burton Dassett Hills Country Park.

The 116-mile route will pass through all five of the county's districts - North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Jonathan Day, managing director of British Cycling Events, said Warwickshire had a "long and proud history" of hosting the race.

Mr Day described the end of the fourth stage as a "challenging finale" as riders tackle a significant climb to the finish line.

The Warwickshire stage culminates in a challenging climb up Burton Dassett Hills

What roads will be closed?

A number of roads will be completely closed to traffic on Friday to allow the race to pass through.

Atherstone

• Long Street, Ratcliffe Street, North Street, Market Street, Church Street, Sheepy Road, Derby Lane, Witherley Road 00:01 – 16:00 BST

Burton Dassett

• Village Road 00:01 - 16:00

• Dassett Road, Burton Hills Road 05:00 - 18:00

• Banbury Road 13:30 - 15:30

Fenny Compton, Shooters Hill, Avon Dassett, Farnborough, Round Pool Spinney

• Dassett Road and Banbury Road (Avon Dassett) 13:30 – 15:30

Tips for the day

There will be an advance vehicle 15 minutes ahead of the race, keeping you updated with what is happening, including when you can expect the race to pass through.

The race itself is escorted along the route by trained police officers and escort motorcyclists. If you're asked to stop by an officer, listen carefully and obey their instructions, Warwickshire County Council said.

Always face ongoing riders, stay back from the edge of the road and do not turn your back on the race, it added.

Getting to the finish line

The council confirmed vehicles will not have access to Burton Dassett Hills on Friday.

A park and ride service will be offered from the British Motor Museum in Gaydon and run from 10:00 BST, with the last departure to the park at 13:20 BST.

Return journeys to the museum will run from 16:00 BST.

The service will cost £2 per vehicle and bookings must be completed online before boarding the service.

The council added that spectators could cycle to the country park but would be expected to dismount when they enter the park to avoid any potential clashes.

Further guidance is available on the Warwickshire County Council website.

Notable names

The race pack comprises 114 riders, representing 19 teams and 20 nations, and features experienced and up-and-coming professionals.

Great Britain's team consists of six riders, two of which - Ben Chilton and Huw Buck-Jones – made their debuts in what is Britain's biggest professional cycle race.

They lined up alongside Ben Wiggins and Josh Golliker, with Josh Charlton and Matt Bostock completing the team.

The full list of riders is here.

The race last came to Warwickshire in 2019, with Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel crowned the local stage winner.