Cycling Preview: The Tour Of Britain Final Stages

By Londonist Last edited 150 months ago
Cycling Preview: The Tour Of Britain Final Stages

After a one year papal enforced move out to the Royal docks, the Tour of Britain is back on the Embankment this Sunday, not for one, but two final day stages. For the first time ever the race includes an individual time trial (kicking off at 11am), to be followed by the more traditional ten lap circuit race (from 3.30pm).

The field is amongst the strongest seen in the Tour of Britain and Brits have a chance of winning both stages. Last time new British Time Trial champion Alex Dowsett was racing on the streets of London we watched him lap the entire field in the Smithfield Nocturne, so he should be in contention for this time trial. If the circuit race comes down to a bunch sprint finish then look out for Mark Cavendish in the mix, hoping to add to an impressive list of wins already this year, including the Olympic test event last month.

If you're getting in position for the finish itself expect some crowds down on Whitehall. The bulk of the course is on the Embankment stretching from Westminster Bridge all the way to the Tower of London. With relatively few corners the pace should be fast, so if you want to witness the peleton slightly slower go to one of the two hairpin corners – either outside the Tower or at County Hall after the riders cross Westminster Bridge. Most of the Embankment offers you the race on both sides of the road and should have plenty of space, so why not pick somewhere opposite your favourite bit of the Southbank?

By John Wilkes

The Tour of Britain comes to London on Sunday 18 September 2011.

Image of 2010 Tour of Britain in Newham by daveograve@ via the Londonist Flickrpool. Browse pictures of the 2009 and 2008 Tour of Britain London leg on Londonist.

Last Updated 16 September 2011