Warwick ready to welcome riders in top Women's cycle tour

The wold class cycling event will see top athletes including the likes of Lizzie Armitstead and reigning tour champion, Lisa Brennauer race thorough Warwickshire on the second day of a week-long contest.

Hundreds of residents are expected to line the streets in celebration and support as riders come through Warwick on June 16 in what traders hope will being a huge boost to economy and tourism.

Launching expectation of the big day, professional cyclist, Hannah Payton joined outgoing town mayor, Mandy Littlejohn and tour organisers at Warwick Castle past which the 87 mile route will pass.

Cllr Littlejohn, who also represents the town chamber of trade, said the week could bring huge benefits and urged everybody to take part.

“It is fantastic that the cycle tour is coming through Warwick,” she said. “It is always great to see our town vibrant with lots of visitors and we all look forward to supporting the day.”

Cyclist Hannah Payton, who represents the West Midlands-based Drops Cycling Team, also met Warwickshire County Council leader, Izzi Seccombe who has high hopes for the sporting event.

Cllr Seccombe said: “Warwickshire is a brand new venue for the Aviva Women’s Tour and I am delighted that it is visiting the county for the first time.

“It is marvellous news that some of the world’s leading female cyclists will ride through Kenilworth and Warwick town centres, with their famous castles, and that we will have an opportunity to showcase the county’s vast history and heritage.”

The second stage will begin in Atherstone in north Warwickshire when the 69 racers set off at 10am.

They are expected to reach Kenilworth around an hour later and complete a sprint stage along Warwick Road on the way to Warwick.

Riders will then head south through Leek Wootton and Guys Cliffe before arriving in Warwick around 11.15am.

The team will continue along Birmingham Road and Northgate Street before heading past St Mary’s church, Old Square, Market Place, Market Street, and Bowling Green Street before riding northeast along High Street and Jury Street.

The final town section will taken them over the Avon next to St Nicholas Park and Warwick Castle before leaving the town via Gallows Hill and Harbury Lane.

Residents are invited to come out and support the riders on the day.