GKN Aerospace have signed up to support the Isle of Wight stage of the Tour of Britain, on Sunday 11 September, as the official fan hub sponsor for the final leg of the national tour.
More than 100 of the world’s top cyclists will be racing from Ryde to a thrilling uphill finish at The Needles in a 150-kilometre (93-mile) stage that will take in Sandown, Yarmouth, Cowes, Newport, and Ventnor as well as many other communities across the island.
Through the partnership GKN Aerospace will be the presenting partner of the Tour Villages at the start in Ryde and the finish of the stage at The Needles. GKN Aerospace will also be supporting communities across the Isle of Wight to celebrate the Tour of Britain’s arrival through special ‘Tour Takeover’ packs that will be available in the build-up to the race.
John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe GKN Aerospace, said: “It is great to be partnering with the Tour Series and to support this fantastic bike-racing event. GKN Aerospace is the global technology leader in innovative lightweight composite aircraft components. Lightweight composites are also a key material for racing bikes. We are a good match and we cannot wait to get involved.”
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies for use in Defence and Commercial aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes to the most advanced fighter aircraft. GKN Aerospace operates in 12 countries at 38 manufacturing locations employing approximately 15,000 people.
GKN Aerospace has two facilities in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight where they design, manufacture, test and repair high performance aircraft structures and systems, employing the company’s distinct competencies in major assemblies and composite structures for the global aerospace market.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration and business development at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “It’s fantastic to have one of the world’s leading aerospace suppliers, and such a prominent Island employer, supporting the Isle of Wight stage of the Tour of Britain.
“As we edge closer to the event, I’m excited to hear more about the special ‘Tour Takeover’ packs which will support our local communities celebrate this most wonderful occasion. The positive support of GKN is most welcome and continues the good news as we build up to the big day!”
Will Myles, Managing Director at Visit Isle of Wight, said: “I am very pleased to welcome the support from GKN on the Isle of Wight stage of the Tour of Britain.
“The support from local people and companies is very welcome. The Tour of Britain is an incredible opportunity to show the UK – and millions of viewers across the world – how fantastic the Island is as a destination, not just as a mecca for cycling, but also as a welcoming and fun place for all visitors.”
GKN Aerospace join Wightlink, Red Funnel, South Western Railways and Mountbatten as previously announced partners of the Isle of Wight’s first ever Tour of Britain stage.
ITV4 will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage and nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch wherever they are. The race will also be shown in over 150 countries worldwide, thanks to the event’s partnerships with Eurosport and the Global Cycling Network.
Last year’s star-studded race was won by Belgian rider Wout Van Aert (Team Jumbo – Visma), with reigning world road race champion Julian Alaphilippe finishing third overall. According to research by Frontline, a roadside crowd of over one million spectators resulted in the Tour of Britain generating £29.96m of net economic benefit for the UK economy.
About the Tour of Britain
Stages
Stage one Sunday 4 September Aberdeen to Glenshee Ski Centre
Stage two Monday 5 September Hawick to Duns
Stage three Tuesday 6 September Durham to Sunderland
Stage four Wednesday 7 September Redcar to Duncombe Park, Helmsley
Stage five Thursday 8 September West Bridgford to Mansfield
Stage six Friday 9 September Tewkesbury to Gloucester
Stage seven Saturday 10 September West Bay to Ferndown
Stage eight Sunday 11 September Ryde to The Needles
Relaunched in 2004 after a five-year absence from the calendar, the Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, held annually across eight days in September.
The free-to-watch sporting spectacular features Olympic, world and Tour de France champions, and attracts a roadside audience of over 1.5m spectators. Live coverage of the race is shown daily in the UK on ITV4, in addition to around the world. The Tour of Britain is part of the UCI ProSeries, making it one of the most prestigious sporting events in the sport’s global calendar.
Follow the Tour of Britain on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or via the event’s official website at tourofbritain.co.uk.
For further media information, please contact:
- Peter Hodges / peterH@thetour.co.uk / 07970 526 519
- Nick Bull / nickb@thetour.co.uk / 07977 151 184