Tour of Britain: Best places to watch as cycle race kicks off with 100 mile stage across Greater Manchester

The Tour of Britain 2023 gets underway this weekend, and the huge cycling event starts off in Altrincham. The Greater Manchester leg of the race will see riders zoom through the region on Sunday September 3. 

Thousands of fans are expected to line the route which departs Altrincham and takes riders towards Manchester City Centre. The route will take them past Wigan and Rochdale and enter into Manchester via Salford.  

The stage is set to get underway at around noon in Altrincham. The finish line is at Deansgate, and the first of the riders are expected there at around 4pm. 

Catching a glimpse of the riders may be tricky, but there will be opportunities. Local authorities have outlined where along the route it will be recommended to go. 

Stockport Borough Council

In Stockport, the route arrives in the borough from Cheshire East at Wilmslow Road, at approximately 11:30 am. The riders will build to a sprint on Jacksons Lane past the Life Leisure Hub in Hazel Grove before leaving the borough at Marple and continuing onto Tameside. 

Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, said: "Residents can watch all the action and soak up the atmosphere by the roadside for free.”

“The Tour of Britain truly is a fantastic and exciting sporting spectacle, and we hope it will inspire the people of Stockport to get on their bikes and take advantage of the great cycling facilities and routes we have in the borough."

Trafford Council

Trafford Council have announced a list of recommended spots for fans to watch the Tour of Britain as it races through the region. According to the council, these are the best viewing areas: 

• Kingsway
• Stamford Street
• Stamford New Road
• Railway Street
• Ashley Road (Altrincham/Hale)
• Victoria Road

Those who want a more hands on Tour of Britain experience will also be able to get their wish. There will also be activities for spectators to engage in, including free bike repairs, bike smoothies and pop-up bike trials.

Cllr Cath Hynes, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “I’m so excited that yet another world class sport is taking place on our doorstep.

“We’re expecting people will be out in force to watch the start of the Tour of Britain and they’ll be able to see Altrincham at its best. Altrincham is a fantastic mix of specialist shops, independent eateries and cultural delights and will be the perfect host for the Tour of Britain.”