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Plan ahead with just a week until major cycling event
27/09/2021
Drivers and parents reminded to be ready to make allowances as the AJ Bell Women’s Tour professional cycling race arrives here
There’s just a week to go until our area is in the spotlight with the Oxfordshire stage of the AJ Bell Women’s Tour professional cycling race arriving here. In advance we’re being advised to be prepared for some disruption with drivers warned to plan their journeys bearing in mind a number of local road closures.
With cyclists passing their building, the Warriner School in Bloxham has elected to remain closed for the day, with pupils undertaking remote learning from home.
The race next Monday (October 4) will set off from Sheep Street in Bicester, heading out to Oxford, Abingdon, Eynsham, and past Woodstock. Riders will head up the A4260 to Deddington and then pass through Hempton and up Iron Down Hill to the A361.
After racing through South Newington and Bloxham they will arrive in Banbury for the first time, before heading back out along the Broughton Road to complete a short loop of Hook Norton and Sibford Ferris. A return to Banbury will conclude with a sprint to the finish line.
Road closures and restrictions in the town will operate throughout the day from 4am to 6pm on South Bar, West Bar and sections of a number of their side roads (including Calthorpe St, St John’s Rd, Dashwood Road and the High Street).
Further closures between approximately 1.30pm and 6pm will affect Broughton Road, Bloxham Road, North Bar and Horsefair.
There will be rolling road closures along other parts of the route as the race passes through. Usually the lead motorcycle instigating the closure will be 15 minutes ahead of the lead rider. The closure then remains in place until all riders and race cars have passed through.
The Warriner School in Bloxham has decided to remain closed for the day. The school said: “following consultation with the bus companies, we cannot guarantee getting our students on site and home again at the end of the day.
“The school will reopen on Tuesday 05/10. All children will be taught virtually and parents are being informed.”
Tom Duckham, AJ Bell Women’s Tour Project Director (Oxfordshire), said: “We have worked closely with the race organisers to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. The rolling road closure system has been used for many similar events, designed to keep highways open until just before the competitors approach and allowing for quick re-opening once the trailing competitors pass.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cycling Champion, said: “We want this prestigious race to leave a legacy for the county; not only a lasting economic impact, but by motivating people to be more active and improve their health. If you’re travelling to a vantage point, why not cycle or walk? Leave the car at home for at least part of your journey and get some exercise as a spectator.”
There will be around 100 pro-cyclists, accompanied by support vehicles on the route.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam