Mark Cavendish MBE is coming to Macclesfield.

The road racer is one of the most decorated cyclists of all-time, and comes as part of the Tour of Britain.

Bruntwood SciTech's Alderley Park, close to Macc, will host the start of Stage 5 of the 2021 Tour of Britain on September 9.

The cyclists will pedal through Bosley at about 12:30pm, Wildboarclough, Macclesfield Forest, before the challenging The Cat and Fiddle Road.

Athletes will then head to Lamaload Resevoir, before descending into Hurdsfield and Higher Hurdsfield, brushing Macclesfield town centre at about 1pm.

The world's greatest cyclists will then head through Rainow up and the B5470, before turning towards Pott Shrigley and the outskirts of Bollington.

Signs have started going up through Rainow and Kettleshulme, warning of the road closure next month. The road closure should end after 2pm.

Mark Cavendish, the greatest sprinter of all time, has today been confirmed as the first rider for this year's Tour of Britain (Sunday 5 to 12 September).

The north west cyclist, has won more stages of the modern Tour than any other rider, with ten wins.

Cavendish has previously started 11 Tours of Britain, finishing nine, and led the race for two days during the 2007 edition.

He is a world champion on both road and track, who will be in Macc in a matter of days.

The remainder of their six-man squad for the Tour of Britain, as well as those of the other competing teams coming to Macc will be announced shortly.

Mark Cavendish said: "It is always an honour to race on the home roads of the Tour of Britain. It is a race where I have always enjoyed success and I am really looking forward to racing with what I know will be a strong Deceuninck – Quick-Step team.

"It has already been a special year for me and riding the Tour of Britain will be a great way to see so many of the people who have supported me throughout."

Macclesfield Town Council did not respond to prior comment about the race.

Peter Skates, Cheshire East Council's director of growth and enterprise, said: "The Tour of Britain is a prestigious cycle race, and we know that many people will be excited to see it return to Cheshire East and to watch as it passes through many of our towns and villages.

"Cycling's greatest sprinter of all time, Mark Cavendish, has been confirmed as the first rider for this year's event, along with Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallist Wout van Aert, from Belgium. Both will be a big draw for the crowds.

"But while most of the government's COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted, we must remain cautious.

"We want people – both our residents and visitors to the borough – to remember this year's race for all the right reasons."

The 95 mile stage loops through Cheshire & the Macc fringes of the Peak District before the finish in Warrington.

You can watch the race on ITV4, or of course, step outside your front door and watch Mark and co. coarse through Macclesfield.

Are you excited to see the Great Briton speed through Macc?

Also in local cycling news: Local man cycles to raise almost £6,000 for The Christie at Macclesfield, in memory of wife.

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