Record crowds expected for Wiggins and Cavendish

A RECORD crowd is expected to watch the nation's cycling heroes race through Staffordshire tomorrow in the Tour of Britain.

Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and world champion Mark Cavendish will be among those battling it out in the race.

The epic race will pass through Stone, Stafford, Cannock Chase and Rugeley, with highlights including a sprint section out of Stone and King of the Mountains stretch through the Chase.

Thousands of people are set to line the streets and road closures will be in place two hours before the riders pass through.

Fans will be able to get autographs from the stars before the start at Trentham Gardens from 9.30am.

But supporters driving to vantage points were today warned to get there early. Stafford Road Club is providing marshals for part of the 92-mile Staffordshire stage.

"This is the first chance people will have to see the stars of the British team after their epic season," said honorary secretary Alistair Semple.

"It's fantastic to have Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish as well as the many Spanish and Italian cycling stars riding through the county. Whether there will be a record turn-out might depend on the weather but it's very likely to be, and the atmosphere will be like no other year."

The cyclists are set to ride through Stone at 10.54am, reaching the outskirts of Stafford at 11.15am before heading south to the glacial boulder near Chase Road, Brocton, at 11.22am.

No on-road parking will be available on the route.