THE sixth stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race is to pass by North Tawton, Spreyton, Whiddon Down, Sandy Park and Easton near Chagford and Moretonhampstead on Friday, September 9.

The world’s top cycling teams and riders will race from Sidmouth on the East Devon coast to the summit of Haytor on Dartmoor on the 152.7 kilometre route.

The route is almost a repeat of the thrilling 2013 stage; that year almost 250,000 spectators lined the county’s roads to help boost the local economy by £5.9-million.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, the county council’s cabinet member for highways with a remit for cycling, said: ‘The Devon stages in 2013 and 2014 were unforgettable occasions. Record breaking crowds turned out across the county and boosted the local economy by almost £12-million.

‘This year’s stage promises to provide another great show case for our beautiful county as a premier destination for cycling tourism.

‘We’re proud that Devon will be a key feature of the race, providing the only summit finish of the 2016 Tour and organisers were so impressed with the atmosphere and organisation of the Sidmouth start in 2013 that they didn’t hesitate in wanting to return.

‘Thanks must also go to East Devon and Teignbridge District Councils and Sidmouth Town Council for their financial support towards the event.’

It will be the ninth time in ten years the tour has visited Devon with the county hosting starts and finishes annually between 2009 and 2014. Over the past eight Devon stages around 1.25-million people have watched the race bringing in around £33-million to the local economy.

Dartmoor National Park Authority chairman Peter Harper said: ‘It’s great to see the tour returning to Devon and especially to Dartmoor with what we hope will be another exciting hill-top finish at Haytor. 

‘In 2013 the event was enjoyed by huge numbers of visitors, the riders loved it and the feedback from the organisers was fantastic. It  also provided a real boost to the local economy with many businesses benefiting from additional trade and accommodation providers reported being fully booked.’

Mick Bennett, race director, said: ‘The return of the Tour of Britain to Devon after a year away has been much anticipated and we look forward to reacquainting the teams and riders with the summit finish at Haytor that proved so popular in 2013. The climb will once again be a key moment in this year’s route and coming again on a Friday afternoon, is going to see thousands of cycling fans descending upon Dartmoor to witness the drama first-hand.

‘We have worked with our partners at Devon County Council to create a route that is challenging for the riders, picturesque for the worldwide television pictures and takes in a number of towns and communities to bring the Tour of Britain to as many fans as possible.’

The Tour of Britain will begin in Glasgow on Sunday, September 4 and finish in the heart of London on Sunday, September 11.

For the fifth successive year fans can look forward to enjoying daily live coverage of all eight stages on ITV4.

The Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step.