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September 2018
Mansfield geared up to host big cycle race finish THE route for the Mansfield part of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain race will see the world’s top cyclists sprinting through five miles of the district before crossing the finish line outside the Civic Centre.
Crowds of around 20,000 are expected to line the Mansfield section of stage seven of the race on Saturday, 8th September. The biggest free-to-attend sporting event in the country will see cyclists start in West Bridgford and pass through Southwell, Bilsthorpe, Blidworth, Retford, Worksop, Hucknall, Selston and Annesley before riding into Mansfield. The route this year will take in key Nottinghamshire landmarks such as the new Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre at Edwinstowe, Newstead Abbey and Clumber Park, and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Last year Mansfield was the starting point for a stage, bringing thousands of people into the town and showcasing the area to a global television audience of millions. Organisers said a helicopter would be covering the race action, provides an opportunity for eye-catching land art in fields, gardens, and business premises along the route. The race will enter the Mansfield district at Derby Road, passing Vision West Nottinghamshire College before
turning left on to Nottingham Road and left again at High Oakham School on to Atkin Lane. The cyclists will head down High Oakham Hill and on to Sheepbridge Lane to the junction at the Sir John Cockle pub, where they will cross straight over Sutton Road and up Skegby Lane before turning right at the Fox and Crown junction on to Beck Lane. The route continues on to Abbott Road to the Rufford pub junction, where cyclists will turn right for the final sprint along Chesterfield Road South with the chequered flag finish outside the Civic Centre. Cyclists will then ride into Chesterfield Road Park where a free Mansfield District Council Summer Festival will have cycling-themed entertainment for all the family from 11am to 4pm. The race is expected to pass through Mansfield and finish between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Along the route through the town, rolling road closures will be in force shortly before the race arrives until after it passes, and an area around the finish line will be closed all day. Coun Dave Saunders, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, said: “Mansfield is delighted to be hosting such a prestigious event. “There will be unavoidable road closures and travel disruption, although we will be doing all we can
to keep this to a minimum — and we thank everyone for their patience. “We are asking people to plan their journeys, allow extra time or make alternative arrangements where necessary ahead of the big day.” The Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, said: “We hope you will join us to show the world the very best that Mansfield has to offer.” Last year’s successful event attracted 210,000 supporters across Nottinghamshire on the day — one of the biggest turn-outs on the eightstage race across the UK. This year the racers will again travel through Ashfield as well, this time via Hucknall town centre, Selston and Annesley. Ashfield District Council will hold an event in Hucknall on race day, including the Queens Of Rock show, Active Ashfield final and free activities throughout the day. Events are also being organised in Selston by the parish council. Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Counci, said: “It’s great that Ashfield is once again a part of this prestigious sporting event, last year residents really embraced the race and we hope they’ll do the same this year. “It provides an opportunity for residents to experience a world class sporting event on their doorstep for free, and is an opportunity for Ashfield to put itself on the map.”
THE route for stage seven of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain.
Summer festivals linked to showpiece MANSFIELD District Council is hosting three summer festivals with a Tour of Britain race theme. Tour Of Britain cyclists Graham Briggs and Tobyn Horton turned up at the first at King George V Park, Mansfield, to help promote the
race, meeting fans and posing for photographs. They also joined in Go Extreme bike agility sessions. Tobyn said he we was looking forward to the challenge of the Nottinghamshire stage and a fast-paced, sprint finish in Mansfield.
Festival visitors were able to enjoy live music, Punch and Judy shows, children’s activities, arts and crafts, and pony rides. A second festival was held in Carr Lane Park, Warsop. The final festival will be held on the day of the Tour
of Britain race in Mansfield, Saturday, 8th September, in Chesterfield Road Park, from 11am to 4pm. More information about the big race and how to get involved, as well as council events, can be found at www. mansfield.gov.uk
University-level Information Evening
Wednesday 12 September | 5.30-7.30pm Vision University Centre, Mansfield, NG18 5BH
Visit www.wnc.ac.uk/oe or call 0808 100 3626
Countdown to big 10k
THE annual Reach Mansfield 10k race through the town centre is on Sunday, 16th September. There is also a 5k race for runners to choose. The charity, Reach Learning Disability, which has a Reach Mansfield base at St John’s Centre, supports adults with learning disabilities from the town and surrounding areas. The10k is Reach’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Go to www.mansfield10k.co.uk to enter or set up a fundraising page.