Locals are being encouraged to step out and line the streets for the Tour of Britain, the famous cycle race, which will be making its way through our roads and villages next Tuesday, 4th September.

There will be rolling road closures throughout the area as the cyclists fly through – you may even be lucky enough to spot reigning Tour de France champion, Welshman, Geraint Thomas, and Giro d’Italia winner, Chris Froome.

An OVO Energy Tour of Britain spokesperson told The Journal this week: “We are really excited to be back in the area – the last time was in 2011, so it is great to be back. It should be one of the most interesting Stages, particularly with conditions through Cheddar Gorge.

“We hope there will be a real Carnival atmosphere as we pass through; there will be lots of support cars with announcements and we hope to hear plenty of cheering from the crowds!

“There will be rolling road closures along the route, around fifteen to twenty minutes before and after passing through, with a sprint section beginning in Midsomer Norton, which will be guaranteed air time, as the race is going to be shown live on ITV 4 – so you may even spot yourself on television!

“It’s almost like a marathon, so the quickest will come through first, and then there will be another group of riders as they spread out behind, so there may well be some gaps.

“At the start and finish at Clifton Down, there will be a team paddock area where people can go along and mingle – there is no special access needed. We try and encourage it to be a very open and accessible sport, to inspire youngsters and allow them to get their caps and jerseys signed by their heroes.”

For those able to come and watch the race pass through, the route begins in Bristol at 11.30 a.m., with the first sprint beginning in Yatton at around 12.09 p.m., (these times are fastest anticipated) reaching Cheddar Gorge by 12.35 p.m., Chilcompton at 12.59 p.m., Silver Street 1.04 p.m., into Midsomer Norton High Street very quickly after (1.05 p.m.), along Church Lane and on to Radstock Road by 1.08 p.m., travelling through the A367 Bath New Road (1.11 p.m.), Peasedown St John (1.14 p.m.), Dunkerton Hill (1.18 p.m.), Dunkerton Village (1.19 p.m.), Tunley Road (1.22 p.m.), Tunley (1.25 p.m.), Camerton (1.27 p.m.), along B3115 North Road and into Timsbury (1.27 p.m.), A39 Bath Road (1.32 p.m.), Farmborough (1.33 p.m.), Marksbury (1.36 p.m.), and then heading in to Chelwood (1.40 p.m.), Stanton Drew (1.45 p.m.), Bishop Sutton (1.48 p.m.), where Sprint 3 begins, Chew Stoke (1.59 p.m.) and heading back out on Winford and Chew Road back to Bristol, with the finish expected around 2.30 p.m. (quickest time).

Robert Weeks, from Somer Valley Cycling Club, says: “Pro-cycling is fast. They’ll whizz by on the flat at about 25 mph. So basically, think standing on the side of a road and watching the traffic go by for about half a minute. That’s kind of it, because they will roll through Norton before you know it. But half the fun of standing on the roadside is being around other like-minded people, seeing the traffic reduce to nothing as they close the road, spotting signs the race is getting closer (usually because you hear or see the helicopter, etc.), it’s all about the atmosphere!”

Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Paul Myers, told The Journal: “Having just had the French Twinning visit and the British victory by Geraint Thomas in the Tour de France, it is really fantastic that the Tour of Britain is coming through the heart of Midsomer Norton next week. I look forward to seeing it and hope as many residents as possible can come and watch it and are inspired to take up cycling!”

Armed with flags and bunting, a welcoming party is being organised in Peasedown St John. Local Councillors, Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Tour of Britain will pass by Peasedown St John.

Keeping the village active is important to us, and so the Tour of Britain will only encourage more people to get on their bikes and work towards a healthier neighbourhood.

“Good luck to all of those taking part – we look forward to cheering you on!”

Those in Peasedown St John on the day are welcome to gather at Nathan Wood, next to the A367/Bath Road junction (south of Peasedown) between 1 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Tour of Britain is a multi-stage cycling race, conducted on British roads, in which participants race across Great Britain to complete the race in the fastest time.

The event dates back to the first British stage races held just after the Second World War, since then,

various different events have been described as the Tour of Britain, including the Milk Race, the Kellogg’s Tour of Britain and the PruTour.

The current version of the Tour of Britain began in 2004 and is part of the UCI Europe Tour. In total, the race is 1,140km across the UK.