In just a little over four weeks, the Isle of Wight will host the final leg of this year’s Tour of Britain cycle race — quite possibly the largest sporting event ever held here.

To be chosen to host the climax of such a prestigious international sporting event is a real coup for the Isle of Wight and its highway network.

I am delighted that residents will be able to witness a genuinely elite sporting event right on their doorstep.

Hopefully it will inspire people to take up a healthy pursuit like cycling and, who knows, maybe even put a budding young rider on the path to a career in the sport.

Because the near-150 kilometre course traverses so much of the Isle of Wight, the event will also be a great opportunity for people to come together with friends, family and neighbours and enjoy this unique sporting occasion close to home

The event will also be broadcast live across the world (on ITV4 in this country) so will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Isle of Wight as a great place to visit as well.

Of course, hosting such an event will have an impact — albeit a short-lived one — on the local road network.

There will be a need for cars to be removed from the route and there will also be a rolling road closure in place — for up to between 30 minutes to an hour — as the race progresses.

Longer road closures will also be necessary at the start of the race at Ryde and the closing stage along the Military Road between Chale and The Needles.

We will be helping residents plan for the event by sharing information in the coming weeks via the media and by a letter to residents, while a series of drop-in sessions will also be held later this month giving residents and businesses the chance to put any questions they may have to organisers.

In addition, there is a section of the Isle of Wight Council’s website www.iow.gov.uk/tourofbritain and a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TourofBritainIOW dedicated to the race, how it will affect residents, and how best to enjoy it.

I would urge residents to engage with us in the coming weeks to ensure we can all prepare for — and enjoy to the full — this fantastic occasion.

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