Captivating the world’s top touring cyclists, the Tour of Britain will take place from Sunday 4th – Sunday 11th September 2016. The Tour of Britain is the largest “free to watch” live sporting event. It is the highest rank cycle race in the UK. Which attracts over a million spectators roadside with thousands more tuning in from around the globe. Moreover, ITV4 will host the event on television. They also offer live coverage for 3 hours per day with a further 1 hour of highlights.
Since 2004, the Tour of Britain has been a centerpiece in British sport. It has also become a key element in the UK sporting calendar. Having celebrated its tenth anniversary back in 2013; after a five-year break, the Tour of Britain has quickly re-established itself as the main cycling event.
We spoke with the Race Director Mick Bennett and he is thrilled with the start of this year’s event. He said “This year’s Tour of Britain has attracted a world-class field. Including eight riders fresh from winning Olympic medals in Rio, led by our very own Sir Bradley Wiggins. To support such an event we work with the very best partners and suppliers. We are pleased to be continuing to work with Communication Specialists as we have done for a number of years. Good communication is key to a successful event. We know the on-site team from Communication Specialists work tirelessly to ensure the Tour of Britain runs smoothly.” We wish them continued success and glad we are onboard to assist with race communications.
2016 route will start from the centre of Glasgow and terminate in London, finishing with 16 laps of the iconic circuit. In the South West, there will be three stages, covering Devon, Bath and a time trial circuit in Bristol. World top riders will then visit Cumbria and race through the Lake District before heading to Cheshire where they will have to climb the edge of the Peak District and race through into Wales as they make their way down the West side of the UK.
- Glasgow to Castle Douglas, a total distance of 161,6 km and a total ascent of 1,854 meter
- Carlisle to Kendal, a total distance of 188,2 km and a total ascent of 3,715 metres
- Congleton to Tatton Park, Knutsford, a total distance of 179,4 km and a total ascent of 2,146 metres
- Denbigh to Builth Wells, a total distance of 218 km and a total ascent of 4,225 metres.
- Aberdare to Bath, a total distance of 194,5 km and a total ascent of 3,292 metres.
- Sidmouth to Haytor, Dartmoor, a total distance of 149,9 km and a total ascent of 1,854 metres.
- Bristol Presented by OVO Energy, a total distance of 90 km and a total ascent of 1,380 metres.
- London, Presented by TfL, a total distance of 100 km and a total ascent of 756 metres.
Two Way Radios & Cycling Events
Back in 2011, the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) blocked Two Way Radios radio use in all events, except WorldTour and Women’s World Cup events, however, their success was limited as racers went as far as protesting after a trial stage of the Tour de France, there were also threats of boycott at the Tour of Beijing in 2011. This year has seen the UCI back down on its stance against two-way radio use. Also, they have even gone as far as to relax the use of on-bike cameras too!
Being two-way radio providers we are obviously in favour of their use but not for the reasons you may think, we argue that high-quality communications provide increased safety and less confusion, also the ability to warn riders of any upcoming dangers and informational flow between riders and safety teams. We feel radio communication is vital for these types of sporting Events, it is much more desirable to speak to a rider through an earpiece than drive up to that person and talk directly to them. The jury is out for now, what do you think – do two-way radios make a cycling event more or less exciting? All that said, we would like to wish to cyclists a great race for this coming Sunday and best of luck to all who are taking part.
Talk to one of our team about your two-way radio needs for any Events, we can tailor a package to suit your requirements, including earpieces and mobile radios for support vehicles. Whatever the weather we can keep you connected.