Spectators’ guide to Devon Stage of the 2021 Tour of Britain

Sunday, 5 September 2021 10:30

By Julie Green

Devon County Council will host Stage Two of the 17th edition of the race on Monday 6 September, with a stella field of riders including Mark Cavendish and Wout Van Aert due to take to the start line. This year’s Devon Stage will start at 11am in Hercules Road, Sherford, and will head towards Yealmpton as it starts a loop around the South Hams before crossing Dartmoor and finishing in Queen Street in Exeter.

Devon County Council will host Stage Two of the 17^th edition of the race on Monday 6 September, with a stella field of riders including Mark Cavendish and Wout Van Aert due to take to the start line.

This year’s Devon Stage will start at 11am in Hercules Road, Sherford, and will head towards Yealmpton as it starts a loop around the South Hams before crossing Dartmoor and finishing in Queen Street in Exeter.

Apart from the start and finish areas, there are plenty of opportunities to see the peloton racing through a number of communities including Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Modbury, Ermington, Ivybridge, Cornwood, Yelverton, Tavistock, Princetown, Moretonhampstead, Dunsford and Longdown.

Some of the most exciting places to see the 108 pro cyclists in action are the three ŠKODA King of the Mountains climbs at Strete at the end of a two kilometre climb from Blackpool Sands, at Rundlestone above Tavistock, and between Postbridge and Warren House Inn.

Intermediate Sprints will feature at Torcross, Embankment Road in Kingsbridge and Plymouth Road in Tavistock.

The Tour last visited Devon in 2018, racing from the new town of Cranbrook in East Devon to Barnstaple in North Devon, when Australian Cameron Meyer won the stage.

Since The Tour first visited the county in 2007, the race has generated more than £41 million for the local economy and more than 1.7 million spectators in total have lined the route.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “The Devon Stage for this year’s Tour is a spectacular route and there is plenty of opportunity for people to see some of the action. The race takes in Dartmoor National Park and many of Devon’s market towns, so wherever people decide to watch the race, hopefully they will make a day of it and support local businesses. Our advice is, wherever you plan to watch the race, please leave plenty of time to travel, in order to avoid delays. We’re also asking spectators to work with us to keep Devon safe and follow the latest Covid-19 advice at the time.”

Councillor Jonathan Hawkins, South Hams District Council Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The Devon stage of the Tour of Britain takes in so many communities of the South Hams, it’s going to really show off the area. With so many places in the district to watch the event, I hope that people visit our shops, have a bite to eat or drink in one of our many eateries and support local businesses while they’re out and about. I’d also ask that people plan their day in advance, so they can avoid delays and help keep everyone safe.”

Pamela Woods, Chair of Dartmoor National Park Authority said: “It’s great to welcome the Tour of Britain back. Dartmoor National Park offers not only a stunning backdrop to the race, but also for hungry spectators making a day of it, some fantastic local food at some of the many fine places to eat on Dartmoor.”

Councillor Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure & Physical Activity, said: “Exeter is fortunate to have the finale taking place in the city. They’ll be lots of opportunities to see the riders as they enter the city, swooping down into Buddle Lane and then through Exwick. It’s at this stage where competition for places hots up as riders will be trying to break from the pelaton as they head along Cowley Bridge Road, New North Road and Queen Street for a sprint to the finish.”