Tour of Britain: Trafford’s politicians attended the cycling event in Altrincham

On a very sunny and warm day in Altrincham the Tour of Britain was back and with a huge number of people attending including the Trafford Council leader and other councillors.

Councllor and Trafford Council leader Tom Ross along with Cllr Catherine Hynes and the mayor Dollres O’sullivan was in attendance and seemingly enjoyed the event with pictures being taken and meeting pro cyclists.

It might be in the long moments Tom Ross was seen in a daydream that he realised how great cycling is and how much we need the disused rail line that goes from Skelton Junction out towards Partington to become a cycle/run/walk path.

Trafford has a huge cycling community, thousands cycle every day to and from work or just to the shops and many more cycle in clubs to be more competative, of course on of the things Trafford needs is cycle shops! with only a couple a few in operation from what we know, a fairly cheap bike store in the centre of Sale would be most appreciated by all cyclists in Trafford.

Our politicians have the answers to infrastructure and although paint on roads is currently the plan with some segregation having an unused rail corridor should be always at the front of their minds since its a proper segregation and the fact that Network Rail and Sustrans are very interested it makes perfect sense for our politicians here in Trafford to be now talking to Network Rail and Sustrans with the excess money expected for Partington’s leveling up bid money its a winner!

Having the route open to people in Partington would be very important in the coming years as the expected chaos will mean many people more so at peak times will find it impossible to move very far on Manchester Road through Carrington.

It would also help people to get more exercise and improve the mental wellbeing of just about everyone.

The Tour of Britain was a complete success and it is hoped we will see this event return again for a third time to Trafford.

Cllr Cath Hynes, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “The day was absolutely amazing and I am so proud that Trafford was yet again at the heart of another major sporting event. Altrincham has hosted the start of a stage before, with the event in 2019 proving a huge success and this year was no different.

“Thousands of local people turned out in force to watch the Tour of Britain and saw beautiful Altrincham at its very best. There was a brilliant carnival atmosphere and we all enjoyed Altrincham’s fantastic shops, cafes and cultural delights. Well done to the spectators, the riders and the organisers – we had a day we will never forget!”

The Mayor, Cllr Dolores O’Sullivan, waved the flag to start the race. She said: “This was a fantastic day and I am so proud that the race started in Trafford. And to wave the riders off was a proud moment for me – thank you to everyone.”