GKN Aerospace has signed up to support this September’s Isle of Wight stage of the Tour of Britain, on Sunday 11 September, as the official fan hub sponsor for the final leg of the national tour.
In the final stage, more than 100 of the world’s top cyclists will be racing from Ryde to an uphill finish at The Needles in a 150km (93-mile) stage that will take in Sandown, Yarmouth, Cowes, Newport, and Ventnor as well as many other communities across the island.
Through the partnership GKN Aerospace will be the presenting partner of the Tour Villages at the start in Ryde and the finish of the stage at The Needles. The aerospace firm will also be supporting communities across the Isle of Wight to celebrate the Tour of Britain’s arrival through special ‘Tour Takeover’ packs that will be available in the build-up to the race.
John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe at GKN Aerospace, said “It is great to be partnering with the Tour Series and to support this fantastic bike-racing event. GKN Aerospace is the global technology leader in innovative lightweight composite aircraft components. Lightweight composites are also a key material for racing bikes. We are a good match and we cannot wait to get involved.”
Will Myles, Managing Director at Visit Isle of Wight, said “I am very pleased to welcome the support from GKN on the Isle of Wight stage of the Tour of Britain.
“The support from local people and companies is very welcome. The Tour of Britain is an incredible opportunity to show the UK – and millions of viewers across the world – how fantastic the island is as a destination, not just as a mecca for cycling, but also as a welcoming and fun place for all visitors.”
GKN Aerospace joins Wightlink, Red Funnel, South Western Railways and Mountbatten as previously announced partners of the Isle of Wight’s first ever Tour of Britain stage.
UK mainstream broadcaster ITV4 will continue to air live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage with nightly highlights show. The race will also be shown in over 150 countries worldwide, thanks to the event’s partnerships with Eurosport and GCN (Global Cycling Network).
