City geared up for race

Wolverhampton was today gearing up for a major international cycle race which hits the city centre tomorrow. Riders in the Tour of Britain will pedal furiously towards the finish line of stage three of their race on Wednesday.

The event is a coup for the city, which last year hosted the start of the West Midlands leg of the race. Thousands of people are expected to descend on Market Square and roads around city to watch some of the world's top cyclists compete to win the 95-mile third stage, which starts in Worcester.

And they are expected to trigger a number of speed cameras as they travel beyond official limits.

Wolverhampton transport chief Councillor Peter Bilson said: "They will inevitably be going fast because it's a race after all. It's an organised event so special allowances will be made."

He added that he believed there was at least one camera on the route along the Compton Road where a 30mph limit is in place.

Spectators and motorists have been warned to allow extra time for their trips.

Tonight, the Ring Road from Chapel Ash to Penn Road island will be closed anti-clockwise between 10pm and 7.30am tomorrow and then from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Wednesday.

From 1.30pm on Wednesday, there will be more closures as riders take to the A454 Bridgnorth Road/Compton Road towards Chapel Ash.

And more roads will shut as cyclists race towards the finish, on the Ring Road between Chapel Ash and Penn Road.

Free parking is being provided at the temporary Raglan Street car park which will give easy access to Market Square and the finish line. Cars and coaches will be directed on to the car park, which will be open between 7am and 6.30pm.

Peel Street and School Street car parks will be shut to vehicles on the day of the race. Peel Street car park will be open to pedestrians for spectator viewing only.

The short-stay Market car park on Peel Street will be open for shoppers using the indoor and outdoor market, but will be closed between 2pm and 3pm.

Tomorrow's timetable

10.15am – Race leaves Worcester Race Course in a neutralised section to give the riders time to warm up.

10.30am – Race starts properly.

10.45am – Riders reach the Three Counties Showground

10.55am – The riders begin their climb of the Malvern Hills towards Wyche Cutting

11.40am – A short but gruelling climb to the rendez-vous point at Ankardine Hill

12.10pm – Through Bewdley and Wyre Forest

12.50pm – Riders pedal alongside the Severn Valley railway into Bridgnorth.

1pm – Riders reach Bridgnorth and head for the North Gate towards Broseley.

1.21pm – Riders approach Sutton Bank having pedalled along the River Severn

1.55pm – The first racer is expected to cross the finishing line at Ring Road St Marks between Chapel Ash and the Penn Road island in Wolverhampton .