Click on the Frequently Asked Questions below for further information on the Tour of Britain
Who is riding in this years Tour of Britain
I live in Peebles – when does it all start
What’s happening on the High Street
I have a business in Peebles – will suppliers be able to deliver on Monday 14th
I am going to watch the start at Peebles. But I want to catch the Tour further along the route. How will I do this?
I live in other towns along the route – where will I watch it
I know the route and have decided where to watch the Tour. Where should I park
I live in Galashiels – where is the Tour going
I live in Selkirk – where should I go to watch the Tour
I live in Hawick, is the Tour going along the High Street
What is the value of the Tour to the Scottish Borders
My children are at school – will they get to see it
I have other questions – who do I speak to
Where do I watch the Tour of Britain
Tour of Britain Frequently Asked Questions
Who is riding in this years Tour of Britain
The Tour will be led along the route by a police escort and Announcers Vehicle so there will be some prior warning. But the best place to view the cyclists is when they are climbing. So the first King of the Mountain stage will start after SBC Offices at Newtown St Boswells and finish in Bowden at the Monument. The next King of the Mountains starts at Wyndburgh and finishes at the top of Lime Kiln Edge (disused quarry). These provide 2 good opportunities to view the Tour. Fans should arrive well before the estimated time of arrival at both points. For the speed merchants, there is a sprint finish at Melrose and Newcastleton.
This year sees a number of internationally renowned riders participating in the Tour led by Bradley Wiggins (Multiple GB Gold medalist and 4th in the 2009 Tour de France); Edvald Boasson Hagen (triple Tour of Britain stage winner in 2008),
Nicholas Roche, Geoffroy Lequatre (last year’s winner), Steve Cummings (GB rider), Ed Clancy (GB Olympic Gold medalist), Nick Nuyens, Kristian House (British National champion), Juan Antonio Flecha (Tour de France stage winner) and Filipo Pozzato (Italian Road Race Champion)
I live in Peebles – when does it all start
The Tour of Britain team will set up from 0430h on Monday 14th September when residents and businesses should expect some disruption on the high street. At 0900h the teams will arrive and wider road closures will begin operating from 0930h. At 1015h Stage 3 will start from the High Street for a start proper at Glentress Trail at 1025h.
What’s happening on the High Street
As well as the event itself, from 0800h there will be a Big Breakfast. Anyone buying a Big Breakfast from one of the Big Breakfast suppliers will also receive entry into a draw for a Tour of Britain Jersey. There is also a Window Display competition for the best window display from a Peebles Trader and Radio Borders will also have a Spider Shelter and the first hundred people to that will receive a Tour of Britain mug.
I have a business in Peebles – will suppliers be able to deliver on Monday 14th
We recommend that businesses advise all suppliers and customers that there could be some disruption in the Town Centre. There will be parking restrictions in and around the High Street from 1800h on Sunday 13th. Businesses should try and arrange deliveries before Monday 14th September. There should be no deliveries in the vicinity of the start line at the Tontine Hotel as the start crew start working from 0430h. In other parts of the High Street where deliveries cannot be arranged, they should be completed by 0700h before support vehicles start arriving.
I am going to watch the start at Peebles. But I want to catch the Tour further along the route. How will I do this?
There is a rolling road closure in place following the departure of the Tour from Peebles. The Police recommend that this is adhered to. While fans may be aware of alternative routes, there is a risk that these become congested and delays occur. This may be the case around Innerleithen-Galashiels-Melrose.
A list of viewpoints and timings is included below. Please note: All times are approximate, we suggest you arrive 20-30 minutes before the cyclists are due to arrive to make sure you catch the action.
I live in other towns along the route – where will I watch it
There is probably only a 8-9 minute time span from the anticipated arrival of the Tour. So yes it is a very quick spectacle! If you want to details of where and when the Tour will arrive refer to our viewpoint suggestions. The Tour will be led along the route by a police escort and Announcers Vehicle so there will be some prior warning. But the best place to view the cyclists is when they are climbing. So the first King of the Mountain stage will start after SBC Offices at Newtown St Boswells and finish in Bowden at the Monument. The next King of the Mountains starts at Wyndburgh and finishes at the top of Lime Kiln Edge (disused quarry). These provide 2 good opportunities to view the Tour. Fans should arrive well before the estimated time of arrival at both points. For the speed merchants, there is a sprint finish at Melrose and Newcastleton.
Another opportunity to watch the Tour is on the A72 Cliff Road Roundabout between Thornielee and Clovenfords before the Tour enters Galashiels. Alternatively get to Newcastleton early and watch the sprint and also the Feeding Station.
I know the route and have decided where to watch the Tour. Where should I park
As long as you do not park in the middle of any of the roads being used then there should not be a problem! The main advice is to arrive early and park in designated parking areas or as close to verges as possible. In Peebles, Haylodge and Kingmeadows Car Parks will be open as usual. The Edinburgh Road car park will be open until 9.30am.
I live in Galashiels – where is the Tour going
After arriving from Clovenfords, the Tour will turn right along Ladhope Vale and will leave the town via Albert Place and Abbotsford Road. It then heads to Melrose on the A6091 and crosses to the old Gala road (Bogleburn Strip).
I live in Selkirk – where should I go to watch the Tour
There are a couple of potential places to watch. At Lilliesleaf, the junction at the Jammy Coo Gallery & Coffee Shop offers a good base where the B6359 (Tour Route) continues to Hassendean (be parked and ready by 1115h).
Alternatively get to Bowden Village and watch the end of the first King of the Mountains at the Monument. (be parked and ready by 10.45h). Alternatively stay on the Selkirk side of the Monument and watch the Tour head on the B6398 towards the A699 Selkirk-Kelso Road (be parked and ready by 10.45h).
If not head to the Bogleburn Strip after Melrose.
I live in Hawick, is the Tour going along the High Street
No! The Tour will enter Hawick from the B6359 road from Lilliesleaf. It will then go down Commercial Road to the Sandbed Roundabout before heading to the B6399 beside the Heart of Hawick. Spectators should try and support the Tour around this area.
What is the value of the Tour to the Scottish Borders
The Tour of Britain will be evaluating the value of the Tour and the Scottish Stage. To do this properly, spectators need to provide answers to a survey. Given the nature of the event this will not tale place on the day, and spectators will be emailed after the event. So we would like spectators to bring your email address and pass it to an official marshal and volunteer. You will then receive a weblink to a short questionnaire and when you complete the survey you will be entered into a prize draw for a hospitality package for the 2010 Tour.
My children are at school – will they get to see it
We have contacted Head Teachers at all schools along the route to encourage them to participate in the Tour through a ‘Get on Your Bike’ day and pupils wearing something yellow. So far we have had a good response from the schools – Priorsford, Halyrude, Kingsland, St Ronans, Walkerburn, Balmoral, Newcastleton and Peebles HS are all supporting. Pupils participating will receive a clapper and or flag to cheer on the cyclists.
There is also a photo competition with a signed jersey for the best Tour photo taken by the children. However the final decision on whether or not children can watch the Tour will rest with the school.
I have other questions – who do I speak to
Email us on tourofbritain@scotborders.gov.uk or call Richard on 01835 825 069