Elite cyclists ready to roll into Kenilworth

The second stage of the professional women’s race will feature the world’s best riders, including British hopefuls Lizzie Armistead and Hannah Peyton as well as Olympic gold-medallist Marianne Vos, compete along a demanding 87-mile course through Warwickshire on Thursday June 16.

Before the cyclists get to Kenilworth, the town’s weekly market will run as usual from 9am, but this time there will be a range of sport-themed stalls alongside the usual food, clothing and accessories being sold to get everyone in the mood to welcome the incoming riders.

Depending on the pace of the cyclists, they will arrive in Kenilworth between 10.57 and 11.12am, and will race wheel-to-wheel during a frenetic sprint section along Warwick Road.

Former Kenilworth mayor Cllr Michael Coker said: “Kenilworth is looking forward to the arrival of the Aviva Women’s Tour, particularly to the sprint that will take place along Warwick Road.

“It is an honour for our town to be part of the tour and a tremendous start to a season when we will be commemorating the 750th anniversary of the Siege of Kenilworth Castle.”

The stage will start in Atherstone when the lead car sets off at 9.45am, followed by the cyclists at 10am. They will continue through Meriden, Berkswell and Warwick University before reaching Kenilworth via Coventry Road.

Once the riders exit Kenilworth after the Warwick Road sprint stage, they will carry on through Leek Wootton, Warwick, Kineton, Edge Hill and into the Cotswolds before finishing in Stratford.

And some of these towns have organised their own special events to welcome the cyclists.

Warwick University’s campus will have food stalls, cycling demonstrations and activities all starting from 10am, with plenty of spectator areas available.

Warwick will have a variety of market stalls with bikes and cycling gear on offer as well as street food. Visitors will also have the chance to ride a traditional Penny Farthing.