Party time as cycle tour rolls into town

Sep 13 2007 By Dale Williams, Birmingham Mail

A MULTI-coloured ribbon of riders raced through the Black Country as thousands of people turned out for the Tour of Britain.

Masses of people were on the streets of Wolverhampton yesterday for Stage Three of the national trek - a gruelling sprint from Worcester to the city.

Months of planning came to fruition with 102 of the world's best cyclists battling it out on the 95-mile route.

Parts of Wolverhampton city centre ground to a halt to make way for the prestigious event with stretches of main roads closed.

It is the first time the city has hosted a Tour of Britain race finish.

The stage was won by Australian Matt Goss. Birmingham-based rider Roger Hammond came third.

Last year Wolverhampton held a stage start which finished in Birmingham. Organisers were so impressed with Wolverhampton's passion for the event they decided to come back.

The first riders, in a pack of four, came over the finish line at about 2.20pm.

The city's Market Square was caught up in a carnival atmosphere with a host of family activities, including New Orleans-style jazz.

Music and on-stage entertainment was provided by the Beacon Radio road show with presenter Ed Nell.