Wiggins mania comes to Knowsley to welcome The Tour of Britain

WITH 'Wiggins Mania' sweeping Britain, excitement is mounting in Knowsley, as the borough prepares to welcome the UK's biggest cycle race next month.  Cycling professionals and fanatics alike donned their Wiggins-style sideburns to get into the spirit of the sport at Knowsley Safari Park, which will host the spectacular Stage 2 Finish of The Tour of Britain next month (September 2012). 

Over a hundred of the world's top cyclists will ride through the borough with a spectacular Stage 2 Finish at Knowsley Safari Park on Monday, 10 September 2012. 

Did you know that this is the first time The Tour has been to Knowsley?

The 180.7 km race commences at Nottingham Castle, and will travel through Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire before the climax at Knowsley Safari Park where riders from teams such as Team Sky, Liquigas; Cannondale and Endura Racing will battle it out for victory.

The Tour is expected to arrive in the borough just after 2pm, arriving at Pingwood Lane in Kirkby, then travelling through Headbolt Lane, County Road, South Boundary Road and Coopers Lane. It will then travel along Knowsley Lane, through Knowsley Village and then into Huyton along Primrose Drive, Liverpool Road, Bluebell Lane, Huyton Lane, and then making its final journey to the finish along the A58 to Knowsley Safari Park in Prescot.

As part of its journey through the borough's streets, local residents, schools, businesses and community groups are being invited to join in and welcome the national cycle race.  This is a fantastic opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to come along and watch this free, televised world-class event. To take part, please ensure you arrive at the Safari Park by 1 pm. On the day, Knowsley Safari Park are offering free entry to visitors and the last safari drive will take place at 12.30 pm.

Councillor Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture, at Knowsley Council commented:- "Following on from the success of the both the Olympic and Paralympic torch relays, we're delighted to be welcoming another major sporting event to the borough. This is a fantastic opportunity for Knowsley to be showcased to a global audience and we're thrilled to be part of this exciting event. We look forward to providing a warm welcome to The Tour of Britain competitors and supporters."

Jonathan McEvoy from St Helens will be racing for Britain's leading domestic team Endura Racing, and will be keen to impress in front of family and friends at the Knowsley finish. He said:- "I'm excited to be riding on home roads and the Safari Park finish will make this a spectacular event."

Mick Bennett, Race Director of The Tour of Britain commented:- "We are very much looking forward to the stage finish at Knowsley. Being able to work with Knowsley Council and Knowsley Safari Park to put on such a unique finish is a privilege for us and will make for a fantastic setting for The Tour."

Edward Perry, Operations Director at Knowsley Estate, added:- "We are delighted to welcome The Tour to Knowsley Safari Park. It will be an amazing sight as the riders complete their sprint finish past our herd of elephants and giraffes and one that will create amazing memories for all who attend."

In addition to Jonathan McEvoy, Mark McNally (AN Post) from Liverpool, Peter Williams (Node4 Giordana Racing) originally from Southport and David McGowan (Team UK Youth) from Liverpool are all amongst the riders hoping to compete in this year's Tour.

CHANCE TO WIN YEAR'S UNIVERSITY FEES PAID FOR REGION'S STUDENTS

FROM healthy scrambled egg in the microwave to oven-baked homemade pizza, kitchen favourite Pyrex is giving local students the ultimate incentive to master the basics: a chance to win university fees paid for a year.  By going along to the nearest Dunelm Mill store and purchasing three Pyrex products, students and/or their parents will be given an entry form to complete and hand back, to be entered in to the draw to win fees up to the value of £9,000.

Alex Blyth, UK Marketing Manager at Pyrex said:- "Whether starting university or about to embark on another year, students more often than not find themselves having to watch the pennies. By purchasing at least three Pyrex kitchen products from Dunelm, not only will they be equipping themselves with the ideal tools to make their own cheap and tasty meals, they could win a 'free' year at university in the process."

Dunelm Mill Head of Marketing Phil Jamieson said:- "We're delighted to have teamed up with Pyrex to provide this fantastic opportunity to young, local people. We know the pressures students face with budgeting while keeping on top of the latest trends, that's why we stock so many stylish must-have student items, all at completely affordable prices. We hope to give one student a very positive start to a new term, so get yourself down to your local Dunelm Mill to get involved!"

The competition closes on 10 October 2012 and the winner will be notified by 5 November 2012.