| Tour of Britain Route Revealed |
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The Tour of Britain route for 2008 has been revealed and once again organisers are predicting that it will prove to be the toughest of the entire event.
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Taking place on 9 September, the 185km South West stage is the longest in the race and will have a backdrop of stunning scenery as it takes riders past more of Somerset’s hidden gems and large swathes of idyllic Devon countryside.
Setting off from Chard, the riders will pass through the Brendon Hills and Quantock Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Exmoor National Park, and on to the first ever coastal finish at Burnham-on-Sea.
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This year Somerset County Council has collaborated with Devon County Council, South Somerset District Council and the Exmoor National Park Authority to bring the Tour of Britain to the region. For the first time the stage is also being supported by the South West of England Regional Development Agency.
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Cllr Jill Shortland, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “The Tour of Britain took Somerset by storm in 2007. This year’s route takes in even more of the region and promises to be a spectacular event. We are working with our supporting partners to make sure that as many local schools and members of the community as possible get involved and enjoy the festivities. Last year, Somerset benefited to the tune of £500,000 in additional visitor spend within the county on the race day alone and we hope that local businesses will welcome the event and help us in making sure it is a success again.”
Map of the route - Stage 3 - 185km
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Photo captions:
Cllr Jill Shortland, Leader of Somerset County Council, with Cllr Alvin Horsfall, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development
Professional cyclists from the Plowman Craven team, who will ride in this year’s Tour, joined young members of the South West Bike Academy in riding 40km of the route, from Williton to Bridgwater
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