West Sussex ready for Sir Brad, Cav and the Tour of Britain

Sir Bradley Wiggins will defend his title in the race, against a field that includes ‘Manx Missile’ Mark Cavendish, German sprint king Marcel Kittel, and 2011 champion Dutchman Lars Boom.

The event is free for spectators to watch.

Big crowds are anticipated on the day and all visitors are recommended to arrive early to see the action.

West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith said: “The wait is almost over for us to welcome the Tour of Britain and the world’s top cyclists to West Sussex for the first time.

“It is an opportunity to showcase to the world what a fabulous county we live in.

“We are expecting a great turn-out, so please come along and enjoy what is going to be an exciting day.”

There are three key locations the race will pass through in West Sussex.

In Petworth, the peloton is expected to pass through at about 11.20am.

There will be a spectator hub here for the crowds.

Cycling related activities, such as bike doctor check-ups and cycling competitions, are planned.

In Horsham, the riders are expected to arrive at about 11.55am.

Cavendish and his great rival Kittel will go head-to-head in a sprint along Albion Way to determine points for the ‘points classification’ championship.

A spectator arena will be set up in Albion Way for the crowds to see it.

There will also be a cycling village set up in the forecourt of County Hall North for visitors.

Local cycling clubs will host demonstrations and cycle maintenance and security marking stalls will be there.

At Haywards Heath, the riders are estimated to cycle past at about 12.25pm.

Big crowds are anticipated because the town has arranged its annual town day to coincide with the race.

Once the race has gone through, South Road will remain closed for the Mid Sussex Military Parade.

The peloton will then pass into East Sussex and Brighton and Hove for the conclusion of the stage.

Motorists should be aware of the following road closures which will affect traffic while the race passes through West Sussex:

Road closures:

10am-12pm – A283 Petworth (at its junction with the A272);
10am-12pm – A272 North Street, Petworth (at its junction with the A272 Horsham);
10.30am-12pm – A286 North Mill Bridge, Midhurst;
11am-12.30pm – Albion Way, Horsham; and
11.45am-2pm – South Road, Haywards Heath.

Rolling road closures:

Police and civilian motorcycles will enforce the rolling road closure system as the race progresses.

These motorcycles close the roads in front of the race, allowing it to pass through without interference from non-race traffic.

Once the race has departed an area, the roads will re-open.

In practice, roads may be closed from 15 minutes to half an hour, depending upon the terrain, weather and race location.

These will be in force all along the route at the following locations at these estimated times (subject to change):

10.53am – A286 Surrey county boundary;
10.53am – A286 Bell Road/Haslemere Road/Midhurst Road/Dodsley Lane, Easebourne;
11.06am – A272 Easebourne Lane/Tillington Road, Petworth, Pound Street;
11.20am – A283 Saddler’s Row/Market Square/Golden Square/New Street/East Street; A272 North Street/Horsham Road to A29 Stane Street, Billingshurst;
11.44am – A264 Horsham Road Billingshurst;
11.54am – A281 Guildford Road/Bishopric/Albion Way/Park Way/Queens Street/Brighton Road;
12pm – Doomsday Lane Horsham;
12.01pm – Hammerpond Road;
12.08pm – B2110 Horsham Road, Lower Beeding;
12.12pm – B2114 Cuckfield Road/Holmstead Hill/Staplefield Road/Whitemans Green;
12.22pm – B2036 London Road;
12.22pm – B2184 London Lane/Broad Street Cuckfield; and
12.24pm – A272 Tyler’s Green/Butler’s Green Road/Muster Green South/South Road/Franklynn Road/Lewes Road to East Sussex county boundary.