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Huge crowds come out to support Tour of Britain

Wonderfully warm welcome for some of the world's top cyclists

The Tour of Britain cycling event sped through Tameside earlier this afternoon with hundreds lining the routes to cheer and wave flags.

There were great crowds and an even greater community spirit as many hundreds came out to support some of the world’s top cyclists as they flew through the borough.

Schools, groups and organisations have been busy creating bicycle themed artworks to decorate the route, with bunting flying at all of the main viewpoints.

At Hattersley Hub the Hattersley Brass Band (above) were in full tune to entertain the crowds and civic dignitaries, including the Leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Brenda Warrington and Mayor of the borough Cllr Leigh Drennan.

Tameside Council Executive Member Cllr Leanne Feeley, who is responsible for culture, who was also at the event said: “It’s been wonderful to see and a national event like this has certainly put Tameside on the map.”

She thanked everyone who had made such a great effort decorating the route, creating artworks and even their own bikes, with a ‘best dressed bike’ competition staged at the Hub.

MP Jonathan Reynolds also watched the sporting spectacle from the Hattersley Hub and both hailed the great community spirit with people coming together to enjoy the event. 

Today is the eighth and last stage of the Tour and saw the competing cycling teams passing through Gee Cross, Hattersley, Mottram, Stalybridge and Mossley with the race finishing in Manchester City Centre this afternoon.

But while the racing might be over, the cycling theme continues in Tameside tomorrow with a Bicycle Festival. 

The festival will take place between 11am and 3pm at Armentieres Square. 

Everyone’s welcome, regardless of ability, to take part in a family-friendly celebration of cycling that will feature wheel art, hints and tips from a panel of experts and an obstacle course.

Works of art... bunting, decorated bikes, flags and more have lined the Tour route throughout Tameside today.

Waiting... the crowds begin to gather at the Hattersley Hub earlier this afternoon to watch the race.

Nearly here... Police closed the roads temporarily as the competitors made their way through Tameside.

Speeding through... The competing teams race through Hattersley past the Hub off to Mottram and then on to Stalybridge.

 

Thank you... a huge thank you has gone to everyone who helped play their part in giving the The Tour of Britain cyclists such a warm welcome. Above the Mayor of Tameside Cllr Leigh Drennan with Cllrs Jacqueline Owen (left) and Cllr Janet Cooper (right) thank Shantel Dyer for her work opening up and getting the Hub ready for the visitors this morning.

Flying the flag for Tameside... Tameside Council Leader Cllr Brenda Warrington, right, is joined by local councillors and Hyde and Stalybridge MP Jonathan Reynolds as they get ready to welcome the Tour.

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