On thursday 16th September the Tour of Britain makes it's first ever visit to Norfolk and those of us here have fingers crossed that the participating pro teams will bring along their biggest cycling names. We hope that will include our Tour de France heros.
The route involves a 200km stage from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth via Hunstanton, Wells, Sheringham, Holt, Norwich and Wroxham.
Will Hall and I decided we'd reccee the route ahead of the Tour and use it as a long training ride. For Will, 120 miles wasn't enough so he rode out to Kings Lynn to get the distance upto 165 miles. I persuaded my brother to give me a lift to the start and then return the pair of us back to Norwich from Yarmouth. Dave also met us at points along the way with supplies, cags and was also armed with sun screen, not that we needed that.
We had a great day. I'm really in favour of heading out for adventures on the bike. Yes, I like going fast and doing races, but I actually get more of a buzz from a day out with mates on new roads and enjoying the scenary. I admitt to an element of satisfaction on dropping Will on a couple of the climbs and yes, I do realise that was terribly childish seeing as Will had an extra 40miles in his legs. Will is going really well, he managed over 18mph average for his 160miles. We averaged 18.3mph on the Tour route.
It's going to be a great stage. Good scenary, plenty of town centre parts, twisty sections, a few hills to let a break get away, a minor crit through Norwich with short cobble sections before a fast flat lead into the finish for a sprint round Yarmouth to conclude. I'll predict a breakaway come race day, but with a catch and a sprint finish. Won't it be great if Cav can win the stage and for Wiggo to take the tour?
If you'd like to marshal the Tour of Britain. You can volunteer at: http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/_ns_volunteer/
