THE council leader admits the coronavirus outbreak puts September’s scheduled Tour of Britain cycling race at risk of going ahead.

He was among councillors to get on their bikes, along with event mascot ToBi, at the Golden Gates in front of the Town Hall this afternoon, Monday.

It was to mark the official announcement that Warrington will host the Tour of Britain for the first time – and it is being tipped to deliver a £1 million economic boost for the area.

The town is planning to host a finish for one of the stages of the bike race, with the finish line is planned to be located in the town centre close to the Town Hall.

The event is scheduled to take place between September 6 and September 13.

Previously, the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Julian Alaphilippe have competed in the race.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington is scheduled to host a finish for one of the stages of the bike race

It was last in Warrington in 2012 when it went through areas including Culcheth and Lymm.

Full details of the race’s visit to Warrington – including the date, stage number and route – will be announced at the national launch of the event in April.

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden says securing the Tour of Britain is a ‘fantastic coup’ and praised Cllr Paul Warburton for initially putting the idea forward.

He said: “It’s a hugely prestigious, high-profile event, which is watched by people from all over the world.

“To be selected for a stage is a real honour for our town and will further add to our rich sporting heritage.

“We want a legacy in terms of cycling, increasing take-up rates for cycling and also giving people a change of lifestyle, improving their health and wellbeing.

“Hopefully, this will be the catalyst for delivering exactly that here in Warrington.”

Warrington Guardian:

A thumbs up from council leader Cllr Russ Bowden

But there is uncertainty over whether the event will go ahead, as planned, in September due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Obviously, that is a concern for everybody,” added Cllr Bowden.

“We need to take our advice from Government, from Public Health England and from our NHS partners.

“The situation is changing at a rapid pace, I hope any measures the country takes will be over in time for this event in September.

“But, obviously, there is that risk that coronavirus won’t be sorted in that timeframe.”

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, hailed the council.

He said: “Since we began working with Warrington Borough Council, we’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm shown by everybody working on the project at their end.

“Combined with the town’s geographical position in the heart of a hotbed of cyclists and cycling fans, we’re looking forward to seeing a bumper crowd joining us in September for what promises to be an amazing day.”

The race will be hosted by Warrington in a year when the council is making a record investment in cycling infrastructure.

More than 10km of new cycleway and footway projects are to be delivered across the borough in 2020-21, with more than £5 million worth of schemes planned.