Packed crowds are expected to line the streets as cycling stars Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish race through Cheshire today, Monday, September 8.

120 of the world’s top cyclists are set to whip through Ashton Hayes, Kingsley, Frodsham, Manley, Waverton, Saighton, Farndon and Tarvin as they compete in the UK’s biggest professional cycle race.

Eagle-eyed enthusiasts could spot Olympic legend Sir Bradley Wiggins (SKY) and Mark Cavendish (Omega) as the peloton races through villages after the famous duo were confirmed to be taking part in The Friends of Life Tour of Britain – which passes through Cheshire West.

The eight-stage race, which is said to be harder than ever this year, will see the professional riders pass through Cheshire West during the 201km second stage of the tour, from Knowsley Safari Park to Llandudno.

Riders will cross the Mersey via the Silver Jubilee Bridge in Runcorn, before heading through the villages on their way to Wales to finish the second stage of the race in a dramatic climb up the Great Orme before finishing outside Venue Cymru at around 3pm.

The race starts at 10.15am at Knowsley Safari Park, with riders scheduled to pass through villages at:

  • Dutton 10:52am – 11:10am
  • Acton Bridge 11:00 am – 11:19am
  • Kingsley 11:07am – 11:32am
  • Manley 11:17am – 11:38am
  • Ashton Hayes 11:22am – 11:43am
  • Tarvin 11:28am – 11:53am
  • Waverton 11:37am – 12:00 noon
  • Saighton 11:41 am – 12:04pm
  • Farndon 11:53am – 12:18pm

The second stage follows a gruelling first day at Liverpool yesterday (September 7), where competitors will have to race eight laps around the city centre.

Councillor Stuart Parker, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive member for culture and economy, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Friends Life Tour of Britain to Cheshire West.

“Our glorious countryside will provide a wonderful backdrop to this prestigious event and the global TV coverage offers us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our borough as a destination for cyclists.

“I am sure local residents will turn out in their thousands to line the route, cheer on the competitors and enjoy being part of what promises to be a truly thrilling spectacle.

“Cycling is a great fitness activity and I hope that this high-profile event will inspire even more people in Cheshire West to enjoy our great outdoors on two wheels.”

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