Cheer on the athletes in Aviva Women's Tour

The renowned Aviva Women’s Tour will see athletes including Lizzie Armitstead and reigning champion Lisa Brennauer race through Warwickshire on the second day of a week-long contest.

Residents are encouraged to line the streets and cheer the 69 racers as they whiz through the town on Thursday (June 16).

And to help celebrate, the town will launch a day of 
cycling-themed family fun.

Cyclists are expected in Warwick between 11.05am and 11.20am and excitement is already building to welcome them for the first time.

Market Place will host cycling demonstrations, equipment and food stalls and even a special display by Morris Dancers from 10.30am.

There will also be a chance to ride a traditional Penny Farthing - one of the very earliest bicycles - and tips on safety and fitness.

Town councillor and Chamber of Trade member, Cllr Mandy Littlejohn, helped launch the tour last month and said it should prove a great boost for tourism and business.

“It is fantastic that the cycle tour is coming through Warwick,” she said.

“It is always great to see our town vibrant with lots of visitors and we all look forward to supporting the day.”

The tour will pass through the University of Warwick campus at around 10.37am before continuing along Gibbett Hill Road, Coventry Road and into Kenilworth before heading to Warwick via Leek Wootton.

Supports are urged to get to Warwick and Kenilworth town centred as early as possible and avoid traffic disruption.

The race will process under a rolling police escort which will stop traffic as the cyclists race along the route and cause a delay on the roads fo around 40 minutes.

Roads will be closed between Market Place and New Street between 8am and 4pm, with diversions in place.

For timings and route details visit here, or see here for celebration events around the district.