Cotswolds 'gear up' to host stage 7 of the Tour of Britain.

Saturday 9th September.

The Cotswolds are going cycling crazy in the build up to hosting Stage 7 of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain. With just a few weeks before the event on Saturday September 9th, plans are in hand to make it a day to remember as more than 120 top professional riders make their way through the Cotswolds from Charlbury, Shipton-Under-Wychwood, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Winchcombe, Cleeve Hill before the final finish line along the Promenade in Cheltenham town centre.

To celebrate the event, Cotswolds Tourism working with other local authorities in the area has unveiled a video charting both the Tour and cycling through the ages. Narrated by local rider James Lowsley-Williams, the quirky video features the picturesque scenery the cyclists will pass through and shows how all different levels of cyclist can enjoy the sport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLAYIhHTxwA&feature=youtu.be

Residents and business owners of villages along the route have shown incredible support for the Tour with many organising cycling-themed events to coincide with Stage 7. Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water will host as many as 60 vintage bike riders from across the country before the ride begins. There's also a 'Wheels in Motion' exhibition in the week around the Tour at Christopher Clarke Antiques in Stow-on-the-Wold, featuring a display of vintage bicycles and old photographs of cyclists.

Many other events are planned along the route including special cycling displays and a free cycle check from Dr Bike in Charlbury where there'll also be a special 'Ride the Tour' event for youngsters. There are also decorated bike competitions and family fun rides as the Cotswolds gears up to host one of the biggest cycling events of its kind.

For more information about the Tour in the Cotswolds, please contact Sally Graff on sally.graff@cotswold.gov.uk. 

ENDS 

NOTES: Cotswolds Tourism is the official Destination Management Organisation promoting and marketing tourism across the Cotswolds.   A public-private sector partnership, the aim is to grow the Cotswolds visitor economy by raising awareness about the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend.

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is a major cycling event in the UK with the potential to draw a large number of visitors and spectators, bringing an opportunity to showcase the Cotswolds, as well as an economic boost from the increased overnight stays it generates.