Hucknall hoping to be on the Tour of Britain route as date announced for Nottinghamshire stage

The countdown is well underway for the highly anticipated return of the world-famous cycle race to the county for the first time in four years.

And anticipation is increasing after the dates for the Nottinghamshire stage were confirmed with county hosting stage five of this year’s showpiece event on September 8.

It is the third time the sport’s leading names will grace the county’s roads following the tour coming to Nottinghamshire in 2017 and 2018 – leading to national and international interest in the county.

The 2018 stage saw competitors – including former Tour de France winners Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome – race from West Bridgford to Mansfield, which attracted 250,000 spectators and made it the largest sporting event in Nottinghamshire’s history.

It led to Nottinghamshire enjoying an economic boost which saw £3.9 million spent by participants and spectators on accommodation, food and drink and shopping.

Coun Ben Bradley MP, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I’m thrilled the Tour of Britain will be returning to Nottinghamshire in 2022 and is an event which will give our county a huge boost after the challenges of the pandemic.

“We had a hugely successful time hosting stages of the Tour in both 2017 and 2018, and I would expect the same for 2022.

“There are countless benefits to the Tour of Britain returning for our businesses, for our communities, for our health and for Nottinghamshire, including the chance to again be on a global stage which we deserve.

“The Tour of Britain coming back to Nottinghamshire will also play an important part in the economic recovery of our county and show we are bouncing back stronger than ever.

“Everyone should be very excited at the prospect of the Tour coming back to Nottinghamshire, every corner of our county could get something positive and long-lasting from its return.”

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

In addition to Nottinghamshire, it will also pass through the south of Scotland, Redcar & Cleveland, North Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Dorset.

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “Announcing the locations of the Tour of Britain stages is always a day I look forward to greatly, as I know how much people want to watch the race from their own doorsteps.

“In our previous two stages in Nottinghamshire the community have really got behind the race from start to finish and I am sure 2022 will be no different.”

The modern-day Tour of Britain was launched in 2004 and – apart from the Covid-19 pandemic forcing its cancellation in 2020 – has taken place annually every September over eight days.

Cycling’s premier road event in this country 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.

Full details of the Nottinghamshire stage – including the route and start and finish locations – will be announced at a later date.