Tour of Britain comes to Exmoor

The picturesque small village of Exford on Exmoor could be one of the best places to watch the challenging Tour of Britain professional cycle race when the south west stage passes through the heart of the National Park between 1 and 2pm on Tuesday, 11 September.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is so impressed that he is flying in from Zimbabwe especially to watch the riders.

As the 96 riders climb the short but steep hill out of the village they are sure to slow down as the rugged terrain of Exmoor begins to take its toll; spectators are encouraged to get there early to seize the best vantage point. Its one of the toughest stages for the riders but also the most picturesque to watch.

To mark the event, Exford has a packed itinerary for a great day out with displays and demonstrations including 2006 British Quad Racing Champions, gate making, wood carving, fly fishing, flower arranging, birds of prey, free photography clinic and Exmoor Horn sheep. There will also be a variety of food and craft stalls with locally produced goods and a BBQ. Activities in the village will run from 10am until 3pm and to finish off the day there will be a pub quiz in the Exmoor White Horse Inn.

The Tour of Britain south west stage two starts at 10.30am near Yeovilton in South Somerset and crosses the Levels and Moors before rising up into Exmoor and out to the coast. The frontrunners are expected to arrive at the finish line in Taunton sometime around 2.20pm having covered the 105.2 mile route with its sprints and dizzying climbs at an average speed of around 25 miles per hour. It is expected to be one of the decisive stages of the week long event that starts in London on 9 September and finishes in Glasgow on the 15th

Stage two is being hosted and sponsored by Somerset County Council; Active Exmoor is sponsoring the Exmoor section of the route with support from the Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund.

For further information on the South West stage of the Tour of Britain visit Bikesomerset.co.uk.

Accommodation suggestions and details about other things to see and do in Exford and around Exmoor can be found on Exford.org and Visit-exmoor.co.uk.