The biggest multi-stage cycle sports event in the world is powering through its final stage in the West Country today bringing a £120,000 boost to the local economy.
The three-day Tour of Wessex, founded by Nick Bourne, covers 330 mile, attracts around 2,000 riders, and takes Somerton, the ancient capital of Wessex, as its HQ. Riders compete in a variety of stages through Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, and the routes offer a unique mix of monuments, history and challenging terrain.
Classic climbs include Cheddar Gorge, King Alfred's Tower, Lulworth Ranges, Quantock Common and Porlock toll road.
Riders can choose to enter the Standard or Medium option for all three stages or enter just one stage. Each day the rides start and end in Somerton and many riders choose to camp in the area.
A free Breeze Ride was new for this year. It is part of the Breeze network from British Cycling which aims to attract more women to cycling with fun rides. Brian Johnston, of British Cycling, says the number of women taking part in the sport is declining and British Cycling has been delighted to work with Mr Bourne and his team.
On Saturday the most serious riders headed up Cheddar Gorge on the 107-mile first stage. Yesterday they took on another 116 miles to
Dorset and along the Jurassic Coast. Today it is the King of Stages, west to Exmoor for a 112-mile ride via Minehead, Porlock, Dulverton and Taunton.
