The Tour of Britain is set to cause only minimal disruption to local roads as it makes its way through South Yorkshire this week, British Cycling has assured. The 103-mile (166km) third stage of the prestigious race will begin on Thursday in Sheffield, passing through Rotherham and Doncaster before finishing in Barnsley.
This stage will feature a challenging course with 8,860ft (2,700m) of ascents, including “King of the Mountain” climbs at Long Lane in Loxley and Hound Hill on the outskirts of Barnsley. British Cycling’s Andy Hawes stated that he expected “minimal impact” on local travel, highlighting that the race should not disrupt daily commutes or travel plans significantly.
The race, which is the UK’s largest cycling event, will kick off in Sheffield from Arundel Gate in the city center, covering 103 miles and concluding at County Way in Barnsley. This marks the first time the Tour of Britain will pass through Barnsley. Cyclists will also travel through Chapeltown, Wath upon Dearne, Swinton, Maltby, Tickhill, Conisbrough, Penistone, and Worsbrough Common during the stage.
Hawes emphasized that road closures would be minimal, with only short disruptions expected at the start and finish lines in Sheffield and Barnsley. A rolling road closure system will be in place for other sections, limiting delays to just a few minutes. Sheffield City Council has confirmed that Arundel Gate will close at 04:00 BST for the event’s launch, with the race starting at 11:00 and the road expected to reopen around 15:00.
Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley councils have all assured the public that they have comprehensive traffic management plans to minimize disruption. Barnsley’s closures will last up to half an hour, while other areas like Doncaster will only be closed for approximately 15 to 20 minutes while the race passes through.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard expressed excitement for the event, stating, “This is a place that loves a bike race, and I know that thousands of people will be on the streets cheering them on.” The Tour of Britain is set to finish on September 8th in Felixstowe after starting in Kelso, Scotland.
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