Bolton will play host to some of the world’s greatest cyclists as the opening stage of this year’s Tour of Britain is held in Greater Manchester on Sunday (Sept 3).
And the perfect viewing points have been announced, which include a number of popular pubs and cafes.
As a part of the 163.6-kilometre (101.7 miles) stage that starts in Altrincham and finishes on Deansgate in Manchester city centre the route will skirt the north of Bolton passing through Egerton, Belmont, Rivington and the edge of Blackrod as it makes its way between Ramsbottom and Wigan.
The race is expected to enter the borough of Bolton at 14:19 after 97.5 kilometres of racing, heading to Edgworth and then across the moors to Egerton. From there the route heads to Belmont before climbing Rivington Road – one of the final climbs of the stage – and descending to Rivington and through Grimeford village and the outskirts of Blackrod at around 14:57.
Temporary road closures will be needed so that the competitors can race safely. However, these ‘rolling’ closures will follow the athletes and local road closures are expected to be brief.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council Executive Member for Culture, said: “Bolton is proud to welcome another international standard sporting event to town, only two months after our fabulous Ironman weekend.
“There are opportunities to cheer on these world class athletes along the route and I’m sure they will receive the enthusiastic support that Bolton is famous for.”
Cllr Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council Executive Member for Highways, said: “I’d like to thank our residents who will be impacted by the rolling road closures for their patience.
“We anticipate these will be brief and the organisers of the tour will do everything they can to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.”
Full details of the route and rolling road closures in and around Bolton are on the Tour of Britain website.
Within the borough of Bolton itself the impacted roads and approximate timings are:
Ramsbottom Road and Bury Road around the Walves Reservoir at circa 2-2.30pm
Blackburn Road coming into Egerton before turning right onto Longworth Road towards Belmont at about circa 2.20-2.50pm
Grimeford Lane and Dark Lane in Blackrod village at about 2.30-3.15pm
Spots to view the race around Bolton include the Black Bull pub and the roundabout at the junction of Bury Road and Bolton Road in Edgworth (where you can also enjoy a fabulous Holdens ice cream), the Chetham Arms in Turton, Ciao Baby restaurant and Delph Sailing Club in Egerton, The Cherry Tree pub in Blackrod, The Black Dog pub and the view point on Sheep House Lane, Rivington Village Green Tea Room and Rivington Café.
Among the riders due to be racing are the previous two Tour of Britain champions Gonzalo Serrano (2022) and Wout van Aert (2021), with fans able to follow the action of the opening stage live on ITV4 from the moment racing begins in Altrincham at 11:45am.
The Tour of Britain culminates in South Wales on Sunday 10 September. Following the Greater Manchester stage the riders will race through Wrexham, East Riding of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Essex and Gloucestershire, creating an unforgettable sporting spectacle that is free for all to watch.
ITV4 will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage, as well as a daily highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch the action unfold wherever they are. International coverage will be available in over 150 countries courtesy of Eurosport and GCN+.
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