Oldham gears up for Tour of Britain showpiece

Oldham is set to take part in the UK’s most prestigious cycle race this weekend, as the borough plays host to the first stage of the 2023 Tour of Britain.

People are set to line the streets on Sunday (September 3) to watch more than 100 of the world’s top professional cyclists make their way through Saddleworth, Shaw and Crompton.

Working in tandem with the Tour of Britain organisers, Oldham Council is supporting local activities in High Crompton Park and Shaw's George Street Skate Park which residents can enjoy for free during the day, including lots of crafts and activities for all the family.

A display of vintage cycles will also be open at Saddleworth Museum, plus refreshments will be available for residents at Little Owl Farm at Grains Bar.

A competition to reward the best decorated homes and businesses along the main route has also been organised by the council.

Decorations must tie in with the theme and spirit of the race in order to take part - so plenty of reds, whites, and blues should be on show - and to enter you must complete an online form on the council's website here before Monday (September 4). 

The winning business and homeowner will both receive a voucher worth £100.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming back the Tour of Britain, which was such a success when it last came to Oldham in 2019.

“It was fantastic to see thousands of residents come out in support of the riders last time around and I look forward to seeing the same buzz in our communities next Sunday as the riders pass through."

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, added: “We’ve got some great events happening before and after the race too in spots along the route for spectators to get involved in, as well as a creative competition for everyone to take part in.

"There’s plenty going on to celebrate this great sporting occasion so be sure to come out with your family and friends and be a part of all of this fun."

The opening of this year’s Tour of Britain begins in Altrincham as competitors make their way through to Stockport and Tameside.

From there, riders enter Oldham via Greenfield as they pedal past Uppermill, Dobcross and Delph before taking on a steep incline up to Grains Bar.

The pack will then take a scenic trip down into Shaw, via Crompton, before entering Rochdale and passing the outskirts of Bury and Bolton.

Racers will then make their way inwards into Manchester via Wigan and Salford before reaching the finish line on Deansgate.

Official time estimations suggest the race will enter Oldham just after 1pm on Sunday.

Greater Manchester is the first of eight stages in the race, with other sections including areas of Essex, Gloucester, Cheshire, East Riding, Suffolk, Nottinghamshire and Wales.

For more information on the Tour of Britain and details on who is competing in this year’s race, please visit: www.tourofbritain.co.uk

To enter the council's decoration competition, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk//tour_of_britain

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