Some of the world’s top cyclists will be riding through the streets of Lewisham in just a weeks time, when the Tour of Britain arrives.
The Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest sporting event comes to the capital on 3 September with a stage race from Greenwich to The Mall taking in several London Boroughs, including Lewisham.
The event will provide residents with the opportunity to experience the thrill of elite road cycling as 96 top riders race through the city.
The race enters the borough on Evelyn Street at approximately 2:35pm, roads will close 20 minutes before than and re-open once the race has passed through. From here the cyclists will be heading for Southwark.
Cllr Chris Best, Cabinet Member of Lewisham Council’s Community Services, said: 'It’s fantastic to have this cycling spectacular in the city and I’m sure our residents will turn out in force to experience a world class sporting event first hand. Cycling is continuing to grow in London and an event like this should encourage even more people to give it a try.
'We also hope that the Tour will encourage tourism and attract others to our borough, benefiting local business.'
The London route takes in parts of the proposed course for the 2012 Olympic Games and some of the world’s leading road cycling teams will take part including CSC, T-Mobile and Great Britain.
Bradley Wiggins, cycling ambassador for Transport for London, who rode for the Cofidis team in this years Tour de France, said: 'The Tour of Britain is becoming one of the must ride events in the cycling calendar. Although I won’t be riding this year I am extremely excited about this year’s route through London and I know it will be a highlight for many cyclists from other teams riding the Tour of Britain.
'It will be a great chance for the residents of Lewisham to show their support and get behind the cyclists as they race across the capital.'
Mick Bennett, Technical Director for the Tour of Britain said: 'It’s great that we can attract the leading teams and cyclists to compete here in Britain. The quality of teams and riders is building every year and 2006 will be the best yet.
'We have a fantastic final stage planned this year taking in seven boroughs across London, all of which will be broadcast live on the BBC. I would like to thank Lewisham for their support.
'There will be some great opportunities for residents to see the cyclists first hand.'
Race organisers will be on hand to give information directly to anyone on the route but if any residents have queries before the race they should contact Lewisham Council on: 020 8314 6828.
For more information on the Tour of Britain visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk or call 0870 112 8650.