A QUARTER of a million people are expected to line the route of the Tour of Britain as it makes its way through Devon on Thursday, September 11.
Businesses and traders are hoping spectators will once again turn out in force to make it a day to remember – providing a final 'end of summer' boost to the local economy.
According to an independent report, commissioned by Devon County Council, an extra £5.9m was injected into the county's economy as a direct result of the 2013 stage, which was watched by more than 250,000 spectators, including residents of Devon and visitors, along the route.
And this year similar numbers of spectators are expected.
TheDevon stage starts from Exmouth at around 11am, and covers more than 100 miles before it finishes in Exeter city centre, at around 3.20pm.
The riders will enter the city via Cowley Bridge, Stoke Woods, Pennsylvania Road, Longbrook Street, York Road and Sidwell Street before a sprint finish on the High Street, close to the Exeter Riddle sculpture. Bus services on the High Street and Sidwell Street will be temporarily suspended.
More than 60 police and civilian motorcycles will maintain and enforce a rolling road closure system for the riders.
These motorcycles close the roads in front of the race.
Once the race has departed an area, the roads will open again. In practice, roads may be closed for between 15 minutes and half an hour, depending upon the terrain, weather and race location.
Where and when to watch: Exmouth, The Strand: start 11:00; Budleigh Salterton: 11:16; Woodbury: 11:30; Clyst St George: 11:36; Topsham: 11:38; Exminster: 11:46; Kenton: 11:54; Kenton, Powderham Castle Entrance Sprint: 11:56; Starcross: 11:58; Mamhead – King of the Mountain: 12:04; Chudleigh – Sprint: 12:24; Bovey Tracey: 12:31; Haytor – King of the Mountain: 12:34; Widecombe: 12:48; Tavistock: 13:31; Lydford: 13:48; Sourton: 14:02; Okehampton: 14:12; Sampford Courtney: 14:30; Bow: 14:43; Copplestone: 14:50; Crediton Queen Elizabeth's Academy – Sprint: 14:57; Newton St Cyres: 15:08; Stoke Hill – King of the Mountain: 15:19; Exeter, High Street – Finish: 15:26.
