Thousands expected on Tour of Britain route

A quarter of a million people are expected to line the route of the Tour of Britain as it makes its way through Devon on Thursday 11 September.

Businesses and traders are hoping spectators will once again turn out in force to make it a day to remember – providing a final ‘end of summer’ boost to the local economy.

According to an independent report, commissioned by Devon County Council, an extra £5.9 million was injected into the county’s economy as a direct result of the 2013 stage, which was watched by over 250,000 spectators, including residents of Devon and visitors, along the route.

And this year, similar numbers of spectators are expected to turn out, as more local businesses than ever get into the cycling spirit.

With the cycling centre at Haldon Forest, the new Exe Estuary Trail and off-road mountain bike routes at Woodbury Common, the Heart of Devon’s reputation as a great biking destination continues to grow.

Derek Philips, Chairman of the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership, said: “The Tour of Britain is coming to the cycling capital of the South West. We can now tell the world that we offer everything from professional grade routes to fantastic off-road trails and family-friendly routes like the Exe Estuary Trail, all within some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.

“The Tour of Britain’s return to the county is another reminder that cycling in Devon is now firmly on the map.”

A recent survey of more than 3,200 spectators revealed that, based on an average group size of 1.4 people, day visitors spent £62 per group and overnight visitors spent £105 per group.

Members of the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership have arranged a host of special offers to celebrate the event, including Mazzard Farm situated in Ottery St Mary, who have organised a special cycling break between Monday 8th and Friday 12th September, which includes assistance travelling to the event hot spots and a complimentary Mazzard Farm cycling jersey offered to all guests bringing their bike during that week. For full details please contact www.mazzardfarm.com

Ruud Jansen Venneboer, owner of Mazzard Farm and keen cyclist, comments: "The annual return of the Tour of Britain to Devon is one of the highlights of my year. Seeing the cyclists battle the hills of Dartmoor, and experiencing the atmosphere that makes Haytor feel like Alpe D'Huez is an experience every cycling fan must see."
Mirroring the Exe Estuary Trail, the first part of Stage Five of the Tour of Britain starts in Exmouth at 11am, before heading to Exeter, crossing the River Exe, then continuing along the other side of the estuary, to Kenton. It then passes through Chudleigh, Princetown, Tavistock, Okehampton and Crediton, before returning to Exeter to the finish on the High Street.

Heart of Devon member The Real Food Store, based in Exeter city centre, is offering one free hot drink with every main meal bought in the café, from 8th-13th September 2014.

Director Emma Parkin, who cycles to work, comments: "I hope the riders get a chance to appreciate the gorgeous Devon landscape as they ride through. Hopefully they can also enjoy some of Exeter's legendary hospitality together with some of our wonderful local food and drink"

Another member Saddles and Paddles, based on the Quay in Exeter, are offering half price cycle hire on the event date, for people who book in advance and quote "Tour of Britain Half Price Bike Hire”.

Director Heather Baker said: "At Saddles & Paddles, we're really excited to see the Tour of Britain return to Exeter. As a bike shop, anything that raises the profile of cycling in the area is fantastic. Plus, as a hire centre based at the start of the Exe Estuary Trail, we are encouraging people to cycle to Exmouth to watch the race start, then cycle back to Exeter to watch the thrilling finish. It's an amazing opportunity to inspire people to cycle by watching world class cyclists like Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish cycling through our county. "

The tour, which is broadcast by ITV and shown in various countries around the world, last year saw Simon Yates win the Devon stage and Sir Bradley Wiggins claim the overall title.

David Walters, High Performance Cycling Manager, University of Exeter, enthuses about the opportunities Heart of Devon presents cyclists: "Perfect. With the challenges of Dartmoor in the West and the lanes of East Devon and Jurassic Coast, what more could any cyclist crave? There's absolutely no reason not to get active, and fitter, by cycling anywhere in Devon."

As well as top attractions on or close to the route including Powderham Castle, Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Crealy Great Adventure Park, 39 hotels, 10 B&Bs and guest houses, 19 self-catering options and 7 campsites offer spectators a range of accommodation options for those taking the chance to turn their enjoyment of the tour into an overnight or weekend break.

The Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership has set up a section on its website giving the range of accommodation options and tourist attractions along the route: http://www.heartofdevon.com/tourofbritain plus maps of sections of the route for visitors to cycle themselves.