People who live in North Herts are being encouraged to show their support for British and international cyclists when they compete in the UK’s first ever elite international road race for women on Saturday 10 May.

On-lookers will be able to see double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott, road race Olympic gold medallist Marianne Vos, two time British junior road world champion Lucy Garner and world champion Katie Archibald. They will be joined by the rest of the world's best riders as they race from Cheshunt through North Herts and towards the stage four finishing line in Welwyn Garden City. 
 
It is anticipated that the Friends Life Women’s Tour will arrive in Baldock at 13.15 with the first Yodel Direct Sprint of the race taking place in Baldock High Street from outside the Library at 13.18.  It then makes its way through Broadway in Letchworth, Great Wymondley, St Ippolitts, and Langley before heading to Codicote. The second Yodel Direct Sprint is expected in Codicote High Street at 13.50.
 
Ian Fullstone, North Herts District Council’s Head of Service for Development and Building Control said “We’re hoping that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to come out to support the cyclists as they pass through North Herts and that the event will inspire everyone to get active and get out and about on their bikes.”
 
The route has been marked with yellow advance warning signs and motorists are asked not to park along the route on the day. Spectators will need to sit or stand well back from the edge of the road, ensuring children are safe and pets are kept on leads, as riders will pass by very fast and sometimes use the edges of the road to overtake. 
 
A rolling road closure will be in operation for the majority of the race meaning that roads will only be closed for the short period it takes for the race to pass by – usually for 10 to 15 minutes around the estimated time of arrival. Members of the public will be able to find live updates throughout the day about traffic conditions via the County Council’s Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/hertscc
 
Resident information can also be found at www.north-herts.gov.uk by typing ‘Women’s Tour’ into the search facility.
 
Highlights will be shown on ITV4 at 9pm on Saturday 10 May and repeated on Sunday.