Top billing for bike-crazy city

Sep 5 2007 By Dale Williams, Birmingham Mail

THE Tour of Britain cycle race reaches the Black Country next week with organisers claiming the sport is "coming home".

A key stage of the prestigious race finishes in Wolverhampton.

The city is widely viewed as the birthplace of British road cycle racing, thanks to Wulfrunian Percy Stallard who pioneered the sport in the 1940s and 1950s.

This year, Wolverhampton plays host to the climax of stage three next Wednesday.

Thousands of fans are expected to gather at the finishing line in the city centre as some of the world's top cyclists compete to win the gruelling 95-mile stage from Worcester.

Last year, Wolverhampton was the venue for the start of the West Midlands stage of the race.

Organisers were so impressed by the passion of the city for cycling that they decided it should host the prestigious finish of stage three - the toughest - this year.

Paul Rowlands, marketing manager for Tour of Britain, said: "After a great welcome last year, we are really excited to be coming back to Wolverhampton."

Market Square will be a hive of activity from 11.30am onwards with a host of fun events and activities for all the family.

Entertainment will be provided by the Beacon Radio Roadshow, and the first riders are expected at about 1.50pm.

Peel Street car park, in the middle of the ring road between Penn Road and Chapel Ash, will be a dedicated spectator area, giving a view of the finishing straight.

The car park, along with School Street car park, will not be available to vehicles on the day of the race, but free parking will be provided at the temporary Raglan Street car park.

Sections of main roads will be closed.