Cheshire residents urged to get out and watch women's Tour of Britain

The world’s top female cyclists will go head-to-head in the first major international stage race delivered by British Cycling Events.

Stage three of the four-stage race will pass through the likes of Warrington, Knutsford, Wincham and Great Budworth.

With less than a month to go until the big day, councillor Michael Gorman, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, is encouraging residents to show their support.

He said: “It’s brilliant news to welcome the Tour of Britain’s women’s race this year after how successfully we have hosted the men’s event in the past. 

“I urge residents to embrace the occasion and get out to support these fantastic athletes as they come through our beautiful villages.

“With the stage taking place on a Saturday as well, it’s a fantastic opportunity for friends and families to gather and get fully behind a great event while supporting our local economy.”

Route for stage three of the women's Tour of Britain (Image: British Cycling)

The opening two days of racing in Wales will see competitors travel more than 280km and climb 3,800 metres.

At 11.15am on Saturday (June 8), the third stage will get underway at the Golden Gates of Warrington Town Hall.

The flattest of the four stages, the 107km course will start by heading south across the River Mersey and Manchester Canal, passing Walton Hall and Gardens and then on through the Cheshire West and Chester villages of Higher Whitley, Great Budworth and Wincham.

The anti-clockwise route then brings the riders towards the two main climbs of the day, where Queen of the Mountain (QOM) points are up for grabs.

Riders will ascend a 5.66km-long climb from Pexhill Road to Broken Cross where the first QOM points are available, before descending into Prestburyy

Crossing the River Bollin, the route then ramps back up to Pott Shrigley in the foothills of the Peak District where further QOM points await.  

The race then passes through Mottram St Andrew, Knutsford and onwards to Mere for the intermediate sprint.

A sharp descent from Appleton Thorn will set the peloton up for a fast, flat run back into Warrington, with riders expected to cross the line at around 2.15pm.

Councillor Chris Hilliard, Cheshire East Council’s walking and cycling member champion, said: “The fact that British Cycling are bringing such a large section of this year’s Tour of Britain race back to Cheshire East shows what a high regard our borough is held in for cycling.

“There’s no better way to promote cycling to a new audience than to bring an elite competition to our local communities and the fact that’s it’s the women’s tour is very positive to see.

"With women’s sport continuing to be on a huge upward curve – this will only encourage more and more women and girls into cycling, which is fantastic news.”