MOLE Valley residents will be treated to an "exciting and tactical stage" of the Tour of Britain when some of the world's best cyclists speed through the district this weekend.
Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish will be pedalling in the UK's biggest professional cycle race when its penultimate stage sweeps into Surrey on Saturday, September 21, it was confirmed last week.
The 96-mile Surrey stage will pass through Epsom, Leatherhead, East Horsley, Dorking, Holmbury St Mary, Cranleigh and Shere, before cyclists continue on towards Woking, finishing in Guildford.
Race director Mick Bennett told the Advertiser this week: "For many riders, and particularly the non-sprinters, stage seven will be the final chance to either win a stage or change the overall lead of the Tour of Britain so I think we will see an exciting and tactical stage.
"We have some of the world's top riders racing in the Tour of Britain this year which will be a real draw for the crowds. Last year's atmosphere in Surrey was incredible, but we are confident this year will be as good, if not better."
This year's Surrey stage is even tougher than in 2012, with daunting climbs over the first half of the race before some flat-out sprints in the run up to Guildford and Mr Bennett said he believes the race is gaining in momentum each year.
"Every year the rider list for the Tour of Britain has grown more and more impressive, with this year being no exception to that," he said.
"I, like all cycling fans in Britain, look forward to seeing how this year's race develops over the eight stages."
The vast majority of the race route is delivered under a temporary rolling road closure, enforced by police and the National Escort Group – 62 motorbikes – which initiate and maintain the road closures as the race approaches.
Roads may be closed for between 10 minutes and half an hour while riders pass through, with closures beginning from 11am on the day.
