Ramsbottom to welcome world’s top women cyclists

The Tour of Britain Women is coming to Ramsbottom this Sunday (9 June) to race down Peel Brow and through the town centre before 90 world-class cyclists go head-to-head at The Rake for the Queen of the Mountain Challenge.

The Tour will be out across Greater Manchester for the final phase of the four-stage event. Stage four will see the peloton take on a 99-kilometre route which starts at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester at 11.15 am and finishes in Leigh at approximately 2.30pm.

Riders are expected to enter Ramsbottom from Edenfield at around 12.30pm. After travelling through the town centre and up The Rake, riders will make their way towards Hawkshaw and out of the Bury borough via Edgworth.

Spectators are encouraged to line the route to cheer the cyclists on as they make their way through. People can watch the event from anywhere along the route, but key viewing points in Ramsbottom include:

• Along Whalley Road, Ramsbottom
• Ramsbottom town centre
• Rawson’s Rake/The Rake, Holcombe Village
• Junction at Pot Green/Hare and Hounds Public House
• Hawkshaw Village

As a welcome to the cyclists, a steam train will sound its whistle as riders approach the East Lancs Railway level crossing at Bridge Street.

At St Paul’s Church Garden, a FREE Family Fun Day will be taking place from 10am to 2pm, offering FREE Dr Bike repairs, bikes for youngsters and adults to try-out, Wheels for All accessible cycling, plus there will be pre-loved bikes for sale and free cycling giveaways.

This is the first time the Greater Manchester region has welcomed the women’s Tour, having previously accommodated the men’s event in 2004, 2019 and 2023.

A council spokesperson said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the women’s Tour of Britain for the first time.

“When the bike riders come to Ramsbottom it’s like a big celebration. They pedal fast and hard, make us cheer, and inspire us to embrace cycling and its many health benefits and advantages to the environment.

“Last year we saw a fantastic turnout and I’m sure that come Sunday residents and cycling enthusiasts alike will once again show the riders their warm support.

“Let’s line the route to make the 2024 Tour of Britain Women another great day to remember in Ramsbottom.”

To allow the cycle race to take place safely, rolling road closures and parking restrictions will be in place along the route. All road closures will be short-term, so there won’t be any traffic diversions. Access for emergency services will be prioritised should this be necessary.

• Rolling road closures will start around 15 minutes ahead of the lead cyclist and last until all the riders and race cars have passed through.
• Parking restrictions will be in place along the length of the route between 10am and 4pm.

• To accommodate the Queen of the Mountain Challenge, full road closures are planned to be put in place from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Carr Street, Tanners Street, Rawson’s Rake, The Rake, and Chapel Lane. Subject to circumstances on the day, roads may have to be closed slightly sooner for safety reasons.

Residents on the route have been sent an advance warning leaflet by British Cycling and an advisory letter by Bury Council.

It is essential that on the day of the event roads on the route are kept clear of parked vehicles from 10am to 4pm.

For local information about the race through Ramsbottom visit www.bury.gov.uk/ToB2024 and follow @BuryCouncil. For information about the entire race visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/

Notes to editors

Full details of rolling closures, short-term closures, and parking restrictions in Rambsottom on Sunday 9 June 2024.