Disappointment for Hucknall as town misses out on the Tour of Britain as Nottinghamshire stage route announced

The premier cycle race visited the town back in 2018 and there had been hopes the peloton would come through again this year.

But race organisers have now announced the route for the county’s stage on September 8 and Hucknall is not incuded.

The stage will begin in West Bridgford and end in Mansfield – just as it did four years ago – and pass through several towns and villages and take in key county landmarks such as Trent Bridge cricket ground, Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park.

But although it will head close to Papplewick and Newstead Abbey, Hucknall – and Ashfield as a whole – will not see any riders on its streets.

Coun Matthew Relf (Ash Ind), portfolio holder for planning and regeneration at Ashfield District Council, said he was disappointed the tour would not be coming to the district, but encouraged Hucknall and Ashfield residents to head over to Mansfield to support the event on the day.

Coun Relf, who also sits on the Discover Ashfield board, said, “Whilst we are obviously disappointed not to be included, on September 8, we are asking the residents of Ashfield to travel to Mansfield and Market Warsop.

"Ashfield and Mansfield councils work regularly to promote north Nottinghamshire.

“There’s no moat around Ashfield, when Mansfield does well, so does Ashfield and the rest of north Nottinghamshire.

"We are pleased to support Mansfield and hope in the future we can welcome the race back to the streets of Ashfield and Hucknall.

"Hopefully it’s return will only be a cycle ride away.”

A global television audience of millions will watch the world-famous race, with the Nottinghamshire stage attracting 250,000 spectators in 2018 to make it the largest sporting event in the county’s history.

It led to the county enjoying an economic boost, with £3.9 million being spent by participants and spectators on accommodation, food and drink and shopping.

Coun John Cottee (Con), chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s communities committee, said: “The return of the Tour of Britain is fantastic news and this announcement detailing the route heightens the sense of anticipation as we prepare to welcome a world class field of riders and teams to our wonderful county.

“This provides us with a great opportunity to showcase our towns and villages along the route and we also look forward to welcoming the thousands of visitors who will flock here to watch the race and enjoy everything which Nottinghamshire has to offer – ultimately providing a huge boost to the local economy."

The Tour of Britain starts in Aberdeen on September 4 and finishes on the Isle of Wight seven days later.

The race will feature the world’s top teams and riders, alongside the best British-based cyclists, with a field comprising of Tour de France winners, Olympians and world champions.

Nineteen teams and 114 riders are currently scheduled to take part in the race.

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director said: “The support of Nottinghamshire communities along the stage route in both 2017 and 2018 was incredible, so I hope that this news will inspire everyone along the route to get excited and to start making their plans for September 8.”