This years WToB is going past the end of my mum's road on stage 1 and 2, but the Borders stage (3) looks more interesting. Any locals suggest a good place to watch, preferably with access from the south and a place to park ?
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/women/stagethree
They're coming almost past the end of our road but we'll probably head up to Scotts View to watch.
Kelso? Start and finish on cobbles and a lovely town to fill the gaps inbetween!
Race route for Stage 3 is here: [Edit - bugger, that's the same link you posted!]
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/women/stagethree
There's a long drag out of Melrose heading south to Bowden which the riders will do twice: once at about 40km in and then it's the finish loop too where they'll go up it at about 125km so somewhere up around there would be a decent place - the riders not going too fast, good views of the approaching race. Only problem is that parking seems really limited, there's a few laybys but nothing in the way of a village with an obvious "centre".
I reckon Kelso itself will be the best place - obviously park outside to the south and walk in but there'll be stuff going on there all day, you get the start, one pass through the town (after about 95km) and then the finish plus there are the usual cafe / pub options to keep the family occupied.
Thanks all. Looks like a trip to Kelso is on the agenda 🙂
I'm happy about this as I just moved to the Borders. Seems like Kelso has the most votes, so I'll see you all there.
Don’t forget to visit Simon Porteous Cycles in Kelso, a lovely (little) shop, and buy something!
Race start: 11:00
First passage of the finish line: 13:25
Finish: 15:00
The second two timings are obviously subject to how fast the race is, weather, any on-course issues etc but that's the ETA.
(I'm driving on the race which is how I have that info...)
Road closures will be in place from early morning to get everything set up, you won't get near the start by car so come prepared for a reasonable walk in. And don't park on the course, there's a fair chance your car will be towed.
Another thread bump. Video preview (official Lloyds Tour of Britain one) of Stage 1 (Dalby Forest - Redcar) which also features an interview with Sophie Carter of Pace Cycles.
Oh and anyone thinking of riding in Dalby Forest on Thursday, the main car park by the visitor centre / cycle hire / cafe places won't be accessible most of the day, I guess any visitors will be directed around to the Adderstone side. But you'll still be able to access it by bike or on foot to see the race start and the long climb out of the forest will be a great spectator point.
Also avaliable on BBC for those not close enough to watch in person
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/articles/cqj7ggq47r4o
With a bit of luck, I might get to see some of the final stage in Glasgow on the Sunday; I'm going to be a cycle responder, medical cover for the crowd. Seems there's a closed road cycling 'event' on after the main race too, although I've not seen the full schedule yet.
Good morning Kelso!
@crazy-legs, are there any twins riding in the ToB? Might it be the Backstedt sisters
@crazy-legs, are there any twins riding in the ToB? Might it be the Backstedt sisters
They're not twins; Elynor is about 3 years older than Zoe.
But yes, they're both riding.
Today was a tough day - one of the hardest racing days in Women's Tour history and the weather alternated between 'quite nice' and 'absolutely biblical'.
Kelso and Melrose both had loads of spectators out though, good crowds.
I was aware the Backstedts are not twins, was wondering if they look v similar or if there may be other siblings
What a great day's racing today. Brilliant
EDIT: Hannah Walker just mentioned the twins: Spanish sisters Floria and Lucia Ruiz Perez
EDIT: Hannah Walker just mentioned the twins: Spanish sisters Floria and Lucia Ruiz Perez
Laura and Lucia.
Not sure if they're identical but yes, they're twins, both on Movistar.
This is properly tight on GC now. Mere seconds in it. The Glasgow circuit should be good, worth watching on TV cos this could go any number of ways.
The car I'm driving has a couple of safety features that can't be turned off. One is a beeping thing on the dashboard which says "consider taking a break" and flashes a coffee cup icon. I *think* it's based off how erratic your driving is and because I'm constantly across white lines, sometimes speeding, sometimes crawling along it's constantly beeping at me.
The other one is a warning feature about driving the wrong way along one-way systems. It's been very loud this morning driving around the Glasgow circuit which uses multiple bus lanes and wrong way along one-way roads. 🤣
What is your driving role Crazy? Team, official, medical? media…?
What a great race! Right to the finishing line
@franksinatra, i believe @crazy-legs was driving one the red race official cars
