The countdown to the start of Stage Two of the Lloyds Tour of Britain cycle race right in the heart of Boston town centre has begun.
A warm south Lincolnshire send-off to the riders and teams is promised on the morning of Thursday, September 3 with an international class field assembling in the Market Place before embarking on an epic 180.2km route through East Lindsey.
The day-long festival of cycling and family entertainment will take place between 9am and 4pm in Boston to coincide with the big race atmosphere.
All the cycling action will be shown live and uninterrupted on a big screen in the Market Place as the riders negotiate Lincolnshire’s countryside roads and navigate through villages and towns along the route.
Spectators in Boston can be assured of a feast of entertainment and points of interest to complement their enjoyment of the race itself as well as a number of food vendors serving tasty treats.
The Big Yellow Bus, fresh from an excursion to promote Stage Two of the Tour in Skegness, will be in the town with non-stop street entertainment and circus skills. An assembly of oddballs and colourful characters are guaranteed to provide some light relief amid the serious business of top class sporting action.
For the cycling enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport there will be a number of stalls offering a wide range of services.
Boston Borough Council leader Dale Broughton said: “This will be a landmark day to remember in the history of Boston. The day that we hosted premier international sport in the heart of our town and I am beyond excited to welcome the riders and teams to our town.
“The spectacle of top class sportsmen riding through Boston, in the glare the of international sports media, will be a sight to behold and one that will be etched in our memories forever.
“And there will be so much more on the day in Boston to provide interest and entertainment as we send the riders on their way for the race challenge ahead. There will be plenty to do and see so that we can reflect back on the day international cycling came to our town.”
Also joining the cycle Tour in the Market Place are:
- PSC Bike Fit Swineshead – who offer a professional bike fitting service.
- Interactive opportunities bought to you by Outspoken Cycles including Smoothie Bike Package, Pedal power Scalextric and Pedal powered cycle sprint
- Food stalls including Cheesy Pig, Pizza pod, Bessi Bean coffee and Husky Ices.
- A range of activity and information stalls from organisations including Active Lincolnshire, One You Lincolnshire and the opportunity to get your bike marked for free to ensure your wheels are protected.
The road closures affecting the town centre and approximate timings will be as follows:
- Wide Bargate – 04:00 – 12:30
- Park Gate – 04:00 – 12:30
- Straight Bargate – 04:00 – 12:30
- Market Place – 04:00 – 18:00
- Church Close – 04:00 – 18:00
- Church Street – 04:00 – 18:00
- Fish Hill – 04:00 – 18:00
- High Street – 04:00 – 11:30
- Town Bridge – 04:00 – 11:30
- South Street – 04:00 – 11:30
- South Square – 04:00 11:30
- John Adams Way Northbound from Liquorpond Roundabout to Bargate Roundabout – 10:00 – 10:40
- Horncastle Road – 10:00 – 10:45
The taxi ranks in both the Market Place and Wide Bargate will be closed during these periods.
