Disappointment as Tour of Britain cycle race to miss out parts of Staffordshire
A cycling race featuring some of the sport's biggest names will miss out Cannock Chase, Stafford and Rugeley this year, it has been announced.
The Tour of Britain saw thousands of spectators take to the streets in the region last year and was hailed as a big boost to the local economy.
But this year's route will see cyclists start stage four in Stoke-on-Trent, making their way through Market Drayton in Shropshire, through Whitchurch and into Wales finishing off at Llanberis.
Stafford Borough Council leader Mike Heenan said: "I'm disappointed to hear about this. I don't know the reasons to why they have made the decision. We would have liked to have seen it again."
Businesses along the Staffordshire route saw huge economic benefits last year. One of the biggest crowds gathered outside Springslade Lodge on Camp Road, just south of Brocton.
Owner Kay Le Page said: "It is disappointing to hear it's not coming back.
"There were crowds of people here. They were standing on the roadside cheering the racers on.
"They all came in here afterwards to have drinks. We even put on special puddings and cakes. There was a really nice atmosphere."
In September the Tour of Britain route also included Stone, Brocton and Blithfield on the 92-mile fifth stage.
British cycling hero Mark Cavendish was one of the competitors who took part. Stafford Road Club provided marshals for part of the Staffordshire stage.
Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett has promised riders the "most gruelling" race yet after unveiling the course for its 10th anniversary race.
It includes a first-ever stage through the heart of the Lake District, tackling Honister Pass, and a time-trial over the traditional 10-mile distance set in Knowsley Safari Park near Liverpool.
Scotland will host the Grand Depart of the 2013 tour, with Peebles in the Scottish Borders welcoming the return of the race on September 15 for stage one. Eight days later The Tour of Britain will be back in central London for the traditional and iconic Whitehall finish. The tour takes place from September 15-22.
