Local communities are getting behind the National Road Championships, by decorating the streets with bunting and celebrating with special events.
They will be out flying flags along the route, hoping to catch a glimpse of riders including Olympic medallist Dame Sarah Storey and Mark Cavendish, as they speed through sixteen local villages!
Vice Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Roger Patterson, said it is fantastic to have such a prestigious cycle race coming to the district. He said:
“The race is a great way to showcase our historic heritage and our beautiful villages on a worldwide stage.
“I hope our communities will come out and support those taking part especially our Olympic and Paralympic champions who made us proud in 2012.”
The race starts and ends in Lincoln but takes in the beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside on a rural route. Residents are making sure there’s a party atmosphere on the day, from huge screens showing the race in Kexby village hall to a family bike ride in Stow, barbecues in Ingham and a fun day in Sturton.
The world-famous Upton chippy, which uses a coal-fired range, will be open for business for spectators. Normally only open Friday evenings, owner Andy Clark is opening for first time on a Sunday to mark this prestigious occasion. Mr. Clark, a member of Viking Velo club, is also offering a free space for avid cyclists to leave their bikes for the day in the chippy’s yard. He said:
“Cycling is becoming more and more popular and the fact this championship is coming to Lincolnshire is amazing in itself. That it’s coming to Upton as well is tremendous. We’ll probably not see this kind of thing here again in our lifetime.”
Ms Clare Ella of Stow is organising a decorated cycle competition as well as the annual bike ride in the village. She said:
“Very few local families will have seen a professional cycle race before. For this event to bring so many well-known Olympic and world medallists past our doorsteps, is a real treat. Let's hope we have glorious weather so we can show that Lincolnshire welcomes cycling events as warmly as Yorkshire does!”
To find out more about the championships, visit www.nationalroadchamps.co.uk, for a list of road closures, visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk
