All you need to know as Tour of Britain returns to Cheshire

Here's our guide to the event with details of where and when you can watch it.

Riders will start this leg from the leading life science facility, Alderley Park at 11.30am.

The 152-kilometre route will pass famous Cheshire landmarks including Capesthorne Hall, Jodrell Bank and travel through Alderley Edge, Holmes Chapel, Wilmslow, Knutsford and High Legh before finishing in Warrington.

It is the first time the race has come through Cheshire East since 2016 when the borough hosted the whole stage from start to finish.

Legendary Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish is expected to attract a lot of followers.

Mark Cavendish will be riding through Cheshire in the Tour of Britain

The council is anticipating that crowds will gather along the roadside and is encouraging spectators to enjoy it safely, including watching it along the quieter sections.

Spectators lining the route are warned not to stand in the road and to stick to the pavement at a safe distance from the riders.

There will be no road closures on the day, instead rolling road blocks will be used to ensure rider and public safety.

Motorists may encounter five to 10 minute delays to their journeys but no more as the cyclists come through the borough.

This is the route the riders will follow

Councillor Nick Mannion, chairman of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “The Tour of Britain is one of the highest profile cycling events on the sport’s calendar and it goes without saying that many of our residents will be looking forward to seeing the riders come through the borough.

“With one of Britain’s greatest cyclists, Mark Cavendish leading an international class field, there are plenty of reasons for the public to be excited about the event.

Spectators are urged keep their distance from others as they watch the race

“However, the message is clear from the council, we must remain cautious. We want everyone to remember stage five of this year’s race for all the right reasons.”

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, added: “Positive Covid-19 cases are continuing to increase in Cheshire East and we all need to remain cautious for the foreseeable future.

“It’s important to keep following our Covid-19 advice and guidance. Remember keeping Covid rates down and protecting each other is in our own hands.

“Naturally, we want people to enjoy the return of Tour of Britain and understand that many will want to head to the sprint and hill climb sections of the route.

Julian Alaphilippe is returning to the race for the first time since winning it in 2018

“But for those who wish to enjoy the event without the worry of large crowds, and to be able to keep their distance from others more easily, there are many places along the route to be able to do just that.

“Before people do venture out, I strongly advise them to take a lateral flow test – using either the free home test kits, or by visiting a symptom-free testing site – to help prevent the spread of the virus and to keep others safe.”

The estimated timetable is as follows and roads will be closed for about half hour as the riders pass:

Alderley Park: 11.30am

A34 Congleton Road: 11.45am

Siddington: 11.45am

B5392 Salters Lane: 11.49am

Lower Withington: 11.51am

A535: 11.57am

Twemlow Green: 12pm

A535 Chelford Road: 12pm

Holmes Chapel: 12.02pm

A535 Macclesfield Road: 12.03pm

A50 London Road: 12.05pm

Brereton: 12.06pm

Brereton Green: 12.09pm

Arclid: 12.12pm

A50 Newcastle Road: 12.13pm

Church Lane: 12.17pm

Smallwood: 12.17pm

A34 Newcastle Road: 12.23pm

Peel Lane: 12.23pm

Leek Road: 12.29pm

Mossley: 12.30pm

Reades Lane: 12.30pm

Under Rainow Road: 12.32pm

Blacky Bank: 12.32pm

Pegley Lane: 12.35pm

Middle Lane: 12.37pm

A54 Buxton Road: 12.38pm

Congleton: 12.42pm

A54: 12.46pm

Bottom-of-the-Oven: 1.07pm

A537: 1.12pm

A537 Buxton New Road: 1.16pm

Macclesfield: 1.20pm

First Avenue: 1.22pm

B5470 Hurdsfield Road: 1.23pm

Rainow: 1.26pm

Bakestondale Road: 1.34pm

Pott Shrigly: 1.35pm

Shrigley Road: 1.39pm

Brookledge Lane: 1.42pm

Mill Lane: 1.45pm

Prestbury: 1.47pm

B5338 Wilmslow Road: 1.48pm

Mottram St Andrew: 1.49pm

Lees Lane: 1.49pm

Wilmslow: 1.51pm

A5102 Adlington Road: 1.51pm

Dean Row Road: 1.51pm

A538 Manchester Road: 1.55pm

A538 Alderley Road: 1.57pm

Water Lane: 1.57pm

A538 Altrincham Road: 1.58pm

Wilmslow: 1.58pm

Mobberley Road: 2pm

Mobberley: 2.02pm

Burleyhurst Lane: 2.04pm

B5085 Knutsford Road: 2.06pm

Great Warford: 2.08pm

Chorley: 2.09pm

Brook Lane: 2.11pm

B5359 Wilmslow Road: 2.13pm

B5087 Macclesfield Road: 2.14pm

Birtles Lane: 2.18pm

A537 Chelford Road: 2.24pm

Chelford: 2.32pm

Marthall: 2.32pm

Knutsford: 2.38pm

A537: Chelford Road: 2.39pm

A537 Brook Street: 2.41pm

A50 Toft Road: 2.41pm

A50 King Edward Street: 2.41pm

A50 Manchester Road: 2.42pm

Mere: 2.45pm

A50 Warrington Road: 2.46pm

High Legh: 2.52pm

Sankey Street, Warrington: 3.22pm