Racers all set for Tour de Sprotbrough after organisers change route

The competition route has been changed to pass through Sprotbrough after lobbying by residents and will now see the racing cyclists go down the Main Street, through the heart of the village, down Boat Lane, through the falls and on up to Warmsworth.

The Tour De Yorkshire head through the Doncaster borough on April 30.

Olympic and commonwealth games cyclist, John Tanner, who lives in Sprotbrough, said he was ecstatic to see the route would now include Sprotbrough:

“It’s great that the route will now come straight through Sprotbrough, there are some fantastic roads for sprints and the hairpin bends will be a great addition for the competition,” he said.

“It will make the race overall more exciting. I just wish I was a bit younger so I could compete.”

After seeing on the Tour De Yorkshire website that the route would miss out the heart of the village, residents sprung in to action contacting the event organisers putting their case forward for why the route would be better to come through the village.

Paul Hall, the owner of Sprotbrough Country Club, was one of the residents who spearheaded the efforts.

He said: “Sprotbrough is a great village with a great community spirit.

“I couldn’t believe the race was going to pass us by.

“Now the route has been changed we will be holding a huge community gala on Main Street and New Lane Park for residents and visitors.

“There will be live bands, entertainment, stalls, food and drinks.”

The three-day race will arrive in Sprotbrough, at around 12.30-1pm for the women’s race and will see the men follow at around 3.30-4 pm.

Times are still be confirmed.