Spectators' guide to Devon Stage of the 2021 Tour of Britain
Some of the biggest names in cycling will be competing in this year’s Tour of Britain, and if you’re planning to watch them in action in Devon on Monday 6 September you can take your pick of 115 miles along the route.
Devon County Council will host Stage Two of the 17th edition of the race on Monday 6 September, with a stella field of riders including Mark Cavendish and Wout Van Aert due to take to the start line.
This year’s Devon Stage will start at 11am in Hercules Road, Sherford, and will head towards Yealmpton as it starts a loop around the South Hams before crossing Dartmoor and finishing in Queen Street in Exeter.
Apart from the start and finish areas, there are plenty of opportunities to see the peloton racing through a number of communities including Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Modbury, Ermington, Ivybridge, Cornwood, Yelverton, Tavistock, Princetown, Moretonhampstead, Dunsford and Longdown.
Some of the most exciting places to see the 108 pro cyclists in action are the three ŠKODA King of the Mountains climbs at Strete at the end of a two kilometre climb from Blackpool Sands, at Rundlestone above Tavistock, and between Postbridge and Warren House Inn.
Intermediate Sprints will feature at Torcross, Embankment Road in Kingsbridge and Plymouth Road in Tavistock.
The Tour last visited Devon in 2018, racing from the new town of Cranbrook in East Devon to Barnstaple in North Devon, when Australian Cameron Meyer won the stage.
Since The Tour first visited the county in 2007, the race has generated more than £41 million for the local economy and more than 1.7 million spectators in total have lined the route.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “The Devon Stage for this year’s Tour is a spectacular route and there is plenty of opportunity for people to see some of the action. The race takes in Dartmoor National Park and many of Devon’s market towns, so wherever people decide to watch the race, hopefully they will make a day of it and support local businesses. Our advice is, wherever you plan to watch the race, please leave plenty of time to travel, in order to avoid delays. We’re also asking spectators to work with us to keep Devon safe and follow the latest Covid-19 advice at the time.”
Councillor Jonathan Hawkins, South Hams District Council Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The Devon stage of the Tour of Britain takes in so many communities of the South Hams, it’s going to really show off the area. With so many places in the district to watch the event, I hope that people visit our shops, have a bite to eat or drink in one of our many eateries and support local businesses while they’re out and about. I’d also ask that people plan their day in advance, so they can avoid delays and help keep everyone safe.”
Pamela Woods, Chair of Dartmoor National Park Authority said: “It’s great to welcome the Tour of Britain back. Dartmoor National Park offers not only a stunning backdrop to the race, but also for hungry spectators making a day of it, some fantastic local food at some of the many fine places to eat on Dartmoor.”
Councillor Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure & Physical Activity, said: “Exeter is fortunate to have the finale taking place in the city. They’ll be lots of opportunities to see the riders as they enter the city, swooping down into Buddle Lane and then through Exwick. It’s at this stage where competition for places hots up as riders will be trying to break from the pelaton as they head along Cowley Bridge Road, New North Road and Queen Street for a sprint to the finish.”
Where to watch
Devon Stage - Stage Two (Estimated times)
Start - Sherford (Hercules Road) - 11:00
SKODA KOM - Strete/Blackpool Sands - 12:30
Sprint - Torcross - 12:40
Sprint - Kingsbridge - 12:56
Sprint - Tavistock - 14:08
SKODA KOM - Rundlestone - 14:10
SKODA KOM - Postbridge/Warren House Inn - 14:39
Finish - Exeter (Queen Street) - 15:37
Sherford -
The event village is close to the start (post code PL9 8FA) and will include exhibits from race partners, stall and refreshments.
Exeter -
Spectators at the finish can choose to watch the race from Queen Street, the area outside Exeter Central Station or from the final turn around the Clock Tower Roundabout.
Beyond this point, there is the area in front of Exeter College or either side of New North Road, the final short climb of the race.
Spectators with disabilities
There will be viewing areas at both the start and finish for spectators with disabilities and their carers.
In Sherford, a number of disabled parking spaces will be available at the Bovis Homes and Taylor Wimpey offices on Hercules Road. These parking spaces are about a 400m flat walk from the Sherford Event Village. Please be aware, the event village itself is on a slight incline.
In Exeter, there will be a viewing area next to the finish line. This will be in close proximity to refreshments and toilet. Access will be via the main pedestrian routes along Queen Street as parking spaces will be made available either within Northernhay Street or Bystock Terrace Car Park.
Spaces within the viewing and parking areas are limited so you will need to be booked in advance. To book a parking and viewing place, please email tourofbritain@devon.gov.uk with the following information:
- Your chosen event location, ie Sherford or Exeter
- Name of person with disability
- Blue Badge number
- Name of career/assistant
- Vehicle registration number
- Vehicle make and model
Entertainment
Sherford -
The Sherford Event Village will be an exciting place to be in the build up to the race.
Things to look out for on the day are (approx. timings):
08:30 - Cycling activities and stalls open
TBC - Andrei Burton’s BMX Display Team
09:30 - Team buses arrive
10:00 - Riders sign on at the podium
10:50 - Community ride out parade – Children from Sherford Vale School take part in the community lead-out parade, wearing custom-made jerseys designed by pupils.
11:00 - Race departs
Exeter -
Although the race won’t arrive in Exeter until the afternoon, there is plenty going on throughout the day to keep everyone entertained.
Things to look out for on the day in Queen Street, Exeter are (approx timings):
10:00 - Local promo zone stalls open
10:30 - Andrei Burton's BMX display team
11:00 - Race starts and can be viewed on large screen
12:00 - Local clubs and community organisations start to arrive along the finish straight
12:30 - Team coaches start to arrive
12:30 - Andrei Burton's BMX display team
14:30 - Ride for hero’s arrives
15:00 - Andrei Burton's BMX display team
15:39 - Race due to arrive
15:45 - Podium presentations
Wherever you’re planning to watch the race, please plan ahead and leave plenty of time for your journey. Where possible it’s recommended that you cycle, walk or use public transport.
Getting there
Rail
Sherford –
Travelling by rail from:
|
Exeter St Davids Station (Depart) |
Newton Abbot Station (Depart) |
Totnes Station (Depart) |
Plymouth Station (Arrive) |
|
07:43 |
08:02 |
08:14 |
08:40 |
|
08:10 |
08:33 |
08:45 |
09:14 |
|
08:55 |
09:20 |
09:34 |
10:03 |
(This allows for 30mins cycle/drive from Plymouth Station to the Sherford Event Village with the road closures in place).
Travelling by rail from:
|
Bodmin (Depart) |
Liskeard (Depart) |
Saltash (Depart) |
Plymouth Station (Arrive) |
|
07:55 |
08:08 |
08:28 |
08:46 |
|
08:24 |
08:37 |
08:55 |
09:06 |
|
09:02 |
09:17 |
09:34 |
09:43 |
|
09:30 |
09:43 |
- |
10:07 |
(This allows for 30mins cycle/drive from Plymouth Station to the Sherford Event Village with the road closures in place).
For full timetable information about train journeys to Plymouth, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk and plan your journey door-to-door using www.traveline.info
If you are planning on taking your bike on a train, please check the train operators’ cycle policy.
Exeter -
The event will be directly outside Exeter Central Station so ideal to get to by train. The station will operate as normal however, please be aware the Queen Street exit may be busier than usual. There are direct trains to Exeter Central Station from Barnstaple, Paignton and Exmouth.
Exeter Central Station is only a couple of minutes train ride from Exeter St Davids Station, a mainline station served by trains operating locally and cross country.
For train times and general information, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk and plan your journey door-to-door using www.traveline.info
If you are planning on taking your bike on a train, please check the train operators’ cycle policy.
Bus
Sherford -
Travelling by bus from Plymouth:
|
Service 2A from Plymouth Railway Station (Depart) |
Sherford (Arrive) |
Elburton Village (Arrive) |
|
07:36 |
08:15 |
|
|
07:56 |
08:35 |
|
|
08:18 |
09:00 |
|
|
08:38 |
09.20 |
|
|
08:59 |
- |
09:38 |
|
09:23 |
- |
09:58 |
|
09:43 |
- |
10:18 |
Please note, after the 09:20 service the nearest bus stop will be Elburton Village, a signposted 20-minute walk to the Sherford Event Village.
For information about which bus you need to catch, where to catch it from and what time it leaves visit www.traveline.info or https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/publictransport/planyourbusjourney
In line with the current Government guidance on travelling safely on public transport, please use contactless payment wherever possible.
The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
Exeter –
Exeter is easily reached by bus and coach. Its new bus station, which opened last month (July), is only a 10-minute walk from Exeter Central Station, and local buses operate up and down the High Street.
Please note, normal services along Queen Street will not operate on the day of the event but will be redirected to other stops within the local area. Changes will be displayed on all relevant bus stops or published on the operator’s websites.
Cycling
Sherford –
Sherford is about 3 miles from Plympton and will take approximately 20 minutes to cycle from Plymouth. To find the best route for you, visit Travel Devon and click on the link to the interactive cycle map.
Plymouth's walking and cycling map is also available to download here.
Cycle parking will be available near the Bovis Homes Offices on Hercules Road.
Exeter -
The event is in the centre of Exeter and is well served by a network of cycle routes. For more information, visit https://www.traveldevon.info/
Please note, the Co-Bike public hire dock at Exeter Central Station will not be available on the event day. Alternative docks are available at Exeter College, Princesshay, Exeter St Davids Rail Station and Sidwell Street. For further information about electric bike hire, visit Co Bikes.
Car
Sherford -
If you’re travelling west towards Sherford, a dedicated spectator car park has been provided. Leave the A38 at Deep Lane junction and follow spectator car park signage. For Sat Nav devices enter the postcode PL7 5AE. Please note the stage start is approximately a 10 minute walk from the car park.
If you’re travelling east towards Sherford, limited car parking is available off Haye Road at King George V playing Fields (PL9 8AR). Once this car park is full, follow signs to the larger dedicated spectator parking. Please note the stage start is approximately a 10 minute walk from the car park.
Both car parks open from 8am on the day of the race.
Exeter –
Park and ride services operate to Exeter City Centre. For timetable information, visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/parking/park-and-ride/
Bystock Terrace Car Park will be closed from 8am to 6pm on Monday 6 September.
Road Closures
To accommodate the race safely it is necessary to suspend parking and close a number of roads on the day of the Devon Stage.
Any vehicles parked within the restrictions and causing an obstruction will be removed.
There will be fixed road closures in place in the start and finish locations – Sherford and Exeter - and rolling road closures all along the route of the race enforced by police and civilian motorcycles. The rolling road closures will only be in effect for a limited period to allow the race and race vehicles to travel through towns and villages safely and to allow residents, businesses and visitors ample opportunity to see the event safely. Every effort will be made to re-open the roads as soon as it is safe to do so.
Sherford -
In Sherford, Hercules Road will be closed between Haye Road and Red Lion Hill from 4am to 2pm.
|
Road Closed / On-Street Parking Restriction |
From |
To |
How you will be affected (Road closures and times may change due to race conditions) |
|
Hercules Road |
Haye Road |
Red Lion Hill/ Plympton Hill |
· Road closed: From 04:00 to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept · Residents wishing to exit via Haye Road will be able to do so until 09:30 |
|
Hercules Road |
Haye Road |
Wiverton |
· No parking: From 17:00 on Sunday 5 Sept to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
Aries Lane |
Entire length |
· No Parking: From 17:00 on Sunday 5 Sept to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept · Road closed: From 09:30 to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
|
Lynx Lane |
Entire length |
· No Parking: From 17:00 on Sunday 5 Sept to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept · Road closed: From 09:30 to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
|
Indus Place |
Entire length |
· Road closed: From 09:30 to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
|
School Square |
Entire length |
· No parking: From 17:00 on Sunday 5 Sept to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
|
Pisces Street |
At the junction of Hercules Road |
· Road closed: From 04:00 to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
|
Libra Avenue |
At the junction of Hercules Road |
· Road closed: From 09:30 to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
|
Pegasus Place |
At the junction of Hercules Road |
· Road closed: From 09:30 to 14:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
Exeter –
We are working hard to keep road closures to a minimum but there will be some disruption and delays, particularly between 14:00 and 17:00, in and around Exeter.
The following road closures will be in place for the day of the event:
|
Road Closed / On-Street Parking Restriction |
From |
To |
How you will be affected (Road closures and times may change due to race conditions) |
|
Cowley Bridge Road |
Wrefords Drive |
New North Road |
|
|
New North Road |
Cowley Bridge Road |
Streatham Drive |
|
|
Streatham Drive |
Hele Road |
*Access will be maintained across Howell Road until 15:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
|
Hele Road |
Blackall Road |
|
|
|
Hele Road |
Queens Terrace |
Clock Tower roundabout |
|
|
Elm Grove Road |
Access to Clock Tower Roundabout |
|
|
|
Richmond Road |
Access to Clock Tower Roundabout |
|
|
|
Bystock Terrace Car Park |
|
||
|
Queen Street |
Clock Tower roundabout |
High Street |
|
|
Northernhay Street |
Above entrance to the car park |
Queen Street |
*Access via Lower North Street will be opened – from 04:00 to 21:00 on Monday 6 Sept |
|
Paul Street |
Above entrance to Guildhall car park |
Queen Street |
|
|
Little Queen Street |
Musgrave Row |
Queen Street |
|
COVID-19 Guidance
Wherever you choose to watch the race, work with us to keep Devon safe and follow the latest COVID-19 advice.
The Tour of Britain is working closely with the UCI, cycling’s governing body, and the partners involved in the Devon Stage to ensure to keep fans, riders and staff as safe as possible. Its covid protocols can be found at https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/covid-update/
For more information go to www.devontourofbritain.co.uk and www.tourofbritain.co.uk. The Tour’s Code of Conduct relating to Covid-19 advice can be found on its website.
On Twitter follow @DevonToB or on Facebook Tour of Britain Devon Stage https://www.facebook.com/tobdevonstage/ or Instagram @DevonTOB
