Saddle Up for a Big Day Out at the Women’s Tour

Walsall is preparing to put on a show to entertain visitors to the Women’s Tour on the 5 October. The international cycling event will attract a worldwide TV audience as well as spectators from across the region. The borough is hosting Stage 2 of the race with the start in the Arboretum followed by a circuit and the finish line on Lichfield Street in Walsall Town Centre.

A Fan Zone is being staged in The Arboretum with the emphasis on health and wellbeing. A host of exhibitors have come together to offer support and advice and the chance to have a go at a range of activities. British Cycling will be in attendance as well as Dr Bike offering free bike maintenance. Students from Walsall College are even staging a mini fitness festival. The Walsall Bike Hire scheme will be operating with a free unlock offer on the day too.

Speaking about the day’s events, Councillor Stephen Craddock, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing said:

“Hosting a stage of the Women’s Tour is a great opportunity for Walsall. Some of the world’s elite women cyclists will be taking part and I hope it will prove an inspiration for our young women. The emphasis is on fun but we’re also promoting cycling as a great way to improve health and wellbeing. I’d encourage anyone to come and join us on the day.”   

The Festival of Sport and Culture will provide a day of entertainment and activities for all the family at a number of locations in and around Walsall Town Centre. The Fan Zone in the Arboretum will include a big screen showing family movies and in the Town Centre, Walsall makers will be displaying their wares in the Market. There’s also live entertainment and a second big screen in Gallery Square.

Details of the activities and the race can be found on the Council web site at go.walsall.gov.uk/raceday