THE Tour of Britain cycle race, which will include many of the world’s top cycling teams and riders, will pass through Crediton between 12.45pm and 1.30pm today, Friday, September 9.

Crowds of people are expected to line Crediton High Street to watch the riders who will be cycling from Sidmouth on the East Devon coast to the summit of Haytor on Dartmoor in Stage Six of the race.

Crediton will host one of three designated Yodel Sprints and this will begin in Crediton High Street, finishing outside Queen Elizabeth’s School in Western Road.

The three sprints as well as three designated King of the Mountain challenges, are hotly-contested.

On each of these special stages, riders can pick up points which accumulate towards different jerseys and financial bonuses within the overall race.

British Cycling’s premier road cycling event will go from Sidmouth to Ottery St Mary, Honiton and Willand, then Tiverton and along the A3072 from Bickleigh to Crediton, up Crediton High Street and through Copplestone and Bow to de Bathe Cross, near North Tawton and Whiddon Down to Moretonhampstead, Haldon Forest, and Chudleigh before climbing from Bovey Tracey to the only summit finish of The Tour at Haytor.

Motorists are warned of rolling road closures and parking will be suspended in many areas, including Crediton High Street.

Students from QE and other schools are expected to line the route in Western Road.

Alan Quick