The world’s best female cyclists will soon be racing through Evesham when the OVO Energy Women’s Tour 2018 comes to the historic market town next week.

Stage Four of Britain’s premier women’s cycle race will begin on Saturday 16 June in Evesham Town Centre and will finish in Worcester.

Hosted by Wychavon District Council and Worcester City Council whilst being supported by Worcestershire County Council, the 81 mile stage will set off from Vine Street at 10:30am.

Cyclists will then head onto the A44 towards Pershore before travelling to Broadway, Droitwich and finishing in Worcester.  You can find an interactive stage map, timings and downloadable map and profile here.

There will be fun for all the family at the stage site including street performances from the likes of ‘Treemendous’ and the ‘Hedgemen’ who will delight and enchant crowds from 8.30am until 11.30am.

Visitors are being urged to walk and cycle where possible or to park on Crown Meadow and stride through Abbey Park to the event.

ITV4 will be providing television coverage of the race and stage four Women’s Tour highlights are scheduled to air at 8pm on 16 June.

Cllr Gerry O’Donnell, Portfolio Holder for Community Development, Culture and Sport, said: “The 2018 OVO Energy Women’s Tour is the pinnacle of women’s professional road cycling in the UK. The women involved are fantastic role models for budding cyclists across the country and really promote the importance of health and well-being.

“We are proud to bring Stage Four of the popular race to the picturesque town of Evesham and I am sure spectators will not be disappointed.”

The OVO Energy Women’s Tour 2018 will run from 13 to 17 June, kicking off in Framlingham and finishing in Colwyn Bay.

Road Closures

To accommodate the race, full road closures will be in place from 4am until 1pm to all vehicular traffic on 16 June. These road closures are also required for rider and spectator safety and have been endorsed by West Mercia Police and Worcestershire County Council.

Abbey Road, Merstow Green, Vine Street and Lower High Street will be closed up to the junction of Avon Street/Swan Lane. This also includes Merstow Green Car Park, the Market Square and Bridge Street.

Northbound traffic will not be able to travel though the town centre but access is still available for people using the leisure centre and for parking on Crown Meadow. Abbey Lane will remain open and Merstow Green will be made two-way (with traffic lights) to allow access to Boat Lane and Merstow Place.

Southbound traffic will be diverted down Oat Street.  Mill Bank will be made two-way (with traffic lights) with traffic being sent over Workman Bridge and then turning right onto Waterside to continue southbound.

The Market Square and Merstow Green Car Park will be closed and all vehicles must be removed from 7:00pm on Friday 15 June. Bridge Street will remain open until 7am on 16 June but all vehicles must be removed by 7:30am and exit right onto the high street.

Once the race is underway, a rolling road closure will be enforced on each of the stages. This means roads on and around the race route will be closed for a period of 30 minutes at each location (15 minutes before the arrival of riders and 15 minutes after).

Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/womens-tour for more information about the event and road closures.