Thousands are expected to line the route across Nottinghamshire three weeks today to cheer on the riders, with Ross Lamb, from Mansfield, and Ollie Peckover, from Ruddington, who cycle for the Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycle team, set to be among the more than 100 competitors taking part in the globally televised cycle race.

After successfully hosting a stage start of the Tour of Britain in 2017 and a stage finish in 2018, Mansfield District Council will again host the festival finish for Stage Five of the race in Chesterfield Road Park on Thursday 8 September.

A Tour of Britain ‘village’ and festival, with food, drinks, stalls, and activities at the park will open at 11am with big screen coverage of the race, have-a-go BMX track, cycling themed family entertainment for the crowds and a nail biting finish-line dash for local schools to take part in.

Cycling fans will be able to meet their heroes after the first Tour of Britain riders cross the finish line outside the Civic Centre at around 3.15pm.

The council is also working with Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group and local businesses to welcome the competitors through that part of the district.

It is anticipated the peloton will enter Mansfield Woodhouse around 3pm. The main cheer point will be the grass area outside of the Coopers Arms beside the A60 where there will be family entertainment and food and drinks. There is also a viewing spot on Leeming Lane South.

In Warsop, knitters from Warsop Poppy Club are yarn bombing the route through the village where the Parish Council plans to have a temporary road closure next to the town hall to create an event space and cheer location. Warsop Wheelies will be giving a demonstration at another cheer point on the A60 in the village.

In Mansfield, Forest Town Community Council are putting up bunting and banners and members of St Alban’s Church are laying on refreshments for those coming to cheer on the riders.

Debbie Williamson and fellow knitters are yarn bombing a bike in Forest Town, too, and putting out a post box topper to celebrate the event and dress the area. You will see the bike at the Forest Town Arena junction in the coming weeks.

Adam Hill, the council’s chief executive, said: “This event is watched by millions worldwide on TV and so we really hope local people will work together to make their neighbourhoods look their absolute best.

“And do make time on the day to line the route and cheer on the competitors. Last time the Nottingham/Mansfield leg of the race was watched by 35,000 people and there will be a fantastic party atmosphere at Chesterfield Park and at other cheer points along the route in the district.

“We recommend people get to their preferred cheering spot before 2pm, to be in place and be sure of seeing the race, before the road closures are enforced.

“Mark the date in your diary and bring the whole family along to support the competitors. This kind of major event brings a massive boost to our local economy. In 2018, it is estimated to have brought in more than £360,000 of spending to our district.”

The UK’s most prestigious cycle race begins in Aberdeen on 4 September and culminates eight stages later on the Isle of Wight.

Stage Five, the longest of the eight stages, will start in West Bridgford and meander through 118 miles (187km) of Nottinghamshire, including 8.8 miles (14km) through Warsop, Mansfield Woodhouse, Forest Town and neighbourhoods close to Mansfield town centre.

It will enter Mansfield district from the B6034 from Edwinstowe. Rolling road closures will be in place from around 2pm. Most routes will reopen as soon as the peloton has passed through but motorists should expect short delays on the day. at about 2.30pm.

An interactive map of the full route can be seen on the council’s Tour of Britain hub at www.mansfield.gov.uk/TOB.

As well as five British cycling teams among the 18 teams taking part, there will also be competitors from Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, USA, Israel, the Netherlands and Norway.

ITV4 will broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage and nightly highlights show. The race will be shown in over 150 countries worldwide.

Check out www.mansfield.gov.uk/TOB and keep up to date with all news and information at www.mansfield.gov.uk/news, www.mansfield.gov.uk/events or follow the updates on Facebook @mymansfielduk.

How to get involved

– Be a Tour of Britain volunteer. There are a variety of roles available, from manning road closures, to informing the public about timings and events. Everyone will receive snacks, water and a free t-shirt.

– Landowners can get into the spirit by taking part in a national land art competition to turn fields, hills, gardens, or any open spaces into unusual displays which can be seen from the air by helicopters filming the race.

– The race passes several local schools, including Asquith Primary, Samworth Academy and Sherwood Junior School. There are special schools packs which can be downloaded.

– Local people and business are being encouraged to decorate their properties and gardens in the run-up to the race as well as cheer the cyclists on as they pass by. Nottinghamshire County Council is running a best dressed village competition.

Find out more at www.mansfield.gov.uk/TOB.

Road closures

Rolling road closures will be in place along the entire route from Warsop to the Civic Centre in Mansfield from around 2pm. Motorists should expect short delays on the day. Traffic management will be in place and diversions will be sign posted.

Chesterfield Road South will be closed in both directions from the A6009 Rosemary Street to Pheasant Hill from 4.45am to 8pm. Residents and businesses in that area have been contacted by the council so that arrangements can be made to allow for limited access until around 2pm and after 4pm.

Entry and exit at Tesco on Chesterfield Road will also be affected with only a right-hand turn permitted from the exit from around 2pm and no exit or entry from around 2.45pm. A right turn only will be reinstated as soon as possible after 3.15pm and the road is expected to be reopened in full at around 4.30pm.

Full details are available at www.mansfield.gov.uk/TOB.

Where to see the race

Warsop: Forest Road and Sherwood Street
Mansfield Woodhouse: A60 and Leeming Lane South
Forest Town: Old Mill Lane and Sherwood Hall Road
Racecourse Ward: Carter Lane
Newgate Ward: Rock Hill and Ratcliffe Gate
Portland Ward: St Peter’s Way and Chesterfield Road South.

Timings are approximate but people are advised to be at their preferred cheering spot by 2pm.