Tour of Britain races into England’s Northwest

This weekend England’s Northwest will welcome 96 professional cyclists to the region as the prestigious Tour of Britain Cycle Race returns for the 5th consecutive year. Thanks to sponsorship from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the final stage of this world-class cycling spectacular will run from Blackpool to Liverpool on Sunday (14th September). This year the event is also supported by Blackpool Council and the Liverpool Culture Company.

The 2008 Tour of Britain looks set to be the best yet, with Olympic gold medallists Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas sure to pull in the crowds. All of the riders are guaranteed an enthusiastic welcome as they finish their 715 mile journey across Britain to the European Capital of Culture.

The last time the Northwest stage of The Tour ran from Blackpool to Liverpool in 2006 it attracted 60,000 spectators. This year, as the region hosts the final leg to coincide with Liverpool 08 and the nation is still buzzing from the cycling success of the Beijing Olympics, The Tour is expected to attract even more spectators.

The NWDA has been instrumental in securing the region’s position on The Tour of Britain map since its successful re-launch in 2004 and is committed to maximising the benefits of this major event for England’s Northwest.

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the Northwest Regional Development Agency said:

“England's Northwest has a fantastic record for hosting major sporting and cultural events, and this weekend will be no exception. The haul of medals in Beijing just last month reignited our passion for British sport and I am sure that we will see even more spectators visiting the region this year for The Tour’s finale, to enjoy the cycling and the spectacular scenery of the Northwest.

"I am looking forward to seeing this exhilarating race finish in the European Capital of Culture; I am confident that we will be witness to yet another world-class event which will bring huge economic benefits to the Northwest.”

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Warren Bradley, said:

"The finale of The Tour of Britain promises to be a great sporting occasion and one of the highlights for the city's Capital of Culture celebrations. It is a prestigious honour to stage the finale and the race is a great addition to our growing portfolio of international sporting events. As well as showcasing the city's passion for sport I hope the event will inspire people of all ages to get on their bikes and explore our city and its beautiful parks, architecture and coastline.''

Peter Callow, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:

"Blackpool is totally committed to cycling and extremely honoured to have been chosen as a host venue. The Tour is an exciting and visually stimulating spectacle and the town’s continued commitment to supporting this event will help position Blackpool as a permanent location on The Tour of Britain's route map.

“Blackpool Council recently gained the coveted Cycling Town status which will see £6 million spent over the next three years on a wide range of activities both in the community and in our schools. We also have some of the finest and most interesting coastline and rural cycle routes in the UK that attract visiting cyclists.”

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For further information please contact Helen Batte, Tourism Press Officer on 01925 400235 or 07764 239856 or Helen.Batte@nwda.co.uk

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk

For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.

For further information about The Tour of Britain contact Paul Rowlands on 07921 612 091 or rowlandsp@thetour.co.uk or visit www.tourofbritain.com

For further information on the Liverpool Culture Company contact Mike Doran on 0151 233 6761 or Mike.Doran@liverpool.gov.uk or visit www.liverpool08.com

For further information on Blackpool please contact Barbara Aird on 01253 477190 or barbara.aird@blackpool.gov.uk or visit www.blackpool.gov.uk

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life

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