Tour of Britain race will pass through Shropshire
People in two Shropshire towns have been urged to 'fly the flag' when the tour of Britain cycle race runs through their streets later this year.
The 2013 Tour of Britain, which starts in Scotland, will travel through both Whitchurch and Market Drayton on September 18 as world class riders race to the finish in London.
The tour has twice passed through Welshpool where thousands of spectators took to the streets.
Civic leaders later hailed the event a big boost for the local economy.
Today the mayor of Market Drayton, Councillor Steve Glover, welcomed the announcement.
He said: "This is fantastic news, absolutely brilliant. The nation's interest in cycling has risen dramatically over the last few years, both in terms of professional sport and families who want to get out and exercise.
"It's marvellous news that these world class rides will be passing by. I hope the whole town comes out to wave flags and support them as they race.
"Hopefully we will be able to work alongside all the schools so the youngsters can come out and give them a real welcome.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the town."
British cycling hero Mark Cavendish was one of the competitors in last year's race, which was won by Jonathan Tiernan-Locke – the first British rider to win the tour in 19 years.
It is not yet known which riders will take part this year.
The route will see cyclists start stage four in Stoke-on-Trent, making their way through Market Drayton and Whitchurch and into Wales, finishing off at Llanberis.
Stage five, of the eight stage event, will begin in Machynlleth and finish in Caerphilly.
Peggy Mullock, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "This announcement has taken my breath away. What a wonderful opportunity to showcase Whitchurch, I am absolutely thrilled.
"It is going to be brilliant for the town's youngsters to be able to see these elite athletes right on their doorstep. I hope the whole town will come out and support them."
Ian Hassall, chairman of the North Shropshire Wheelers Cycling Club, added: "This race is a big attraction both for cyclists and non-cyclists as well.
"I was planning to travel to go and watch it but to find out it's actually coming to Whitchurch and Market Drayton is brilliant.
"Cycling has moved up a step or two in British sporting eyes since the Olympics so it will be great to see some of the sports' stars on our doorstep."
