West Lindsey gets ready to welcome Tour of Britain cyclists

In Caistor, a team of ten volunteers has been working with local businesses, residents and community groups to get the town looking its best for race day.

Stage One of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men starts and finishes in Lincoln on Wednesday September 2, with riders travelling through the Lincolnshire Wolds and West Lindsey communities including Market Rasen and Caistor before returning to the city.

They have collected 40 old bikes from the community, which have been cleaned and sprayed in the colours of the Lincolnshire flag by local company Caistor Car and Commercial.

The volunteers are also organising a cycling-themed display competition for local businesses and residents, with a cash prize sponsored by Martin Commercials Ltd.

Jim Togher, who co-organised the activities in Caistor alongside Jim Martin, said: “We saw this as a chance to create two weeks’ worth of events that get everyone involved and enthused. We also wanted to get as many businesses as possible involved and make the most of this fantastic opportunity for the town.”

The volunteers in Caistor also include Lee Martin, Duncan Cole, Peter Dixon, Alan Somerscales, James Bemrose, Neil Bennett, Andy Dukes, Gordon Rogers and Paul Kirkby.

Coun Owen Bierley, West Lindsey District Councillor for the Caistor and Yarborough Ward, said: “It is great to see people from the community coming together to celebrate the Tour of Britain coming through Caistor.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to watching the race in Caistor. With the route coming downhill, it promises to bring some particularly fast action to the town.”

With more than 40 bikes, Lincolnshire flags, bunting and special decorations, the town will be awash with colour. Shop fronts are adorned with unique window displays, including local upholstery business Harry and the Beagle, which has made Lincolnshire and cycling-themed cushions, and local sweet shop Sweetie Belles, which has created bicycles and a Lincolnshire flag using sweets. Yulia from YM

Bakery has also completed a window display featuring a croissant plush toy.

Jo Kelly, owner of Harry and the Beagle, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing new faces coming into the town and appreciating all the work the volunteers have done.”

Freddy Wells, co-owner of Sweetie Belles, said: “I can’t wait to see the town on the day. It’s going to look amazing with all the decorations up. Something like this doesn’t happen very often, so it’s important to make the most of it.”

Yulia from YM Bakery said: “It is very exciting for Caistor. Lots of people are talking about the bikes and everyone is looking forward to it. I said I will have to make lots of pastry for the day!”

Local farmer Rob has created 12 Roman sculptures in recognition of the town’s Roman roots. They will form a guard of honour to salute the riders as they travel through the town and neighbouring villages.

Rob said: “The volunteers have done a great job and I’m sure the town will come out in numbers to celebrate the occasion.”

Elsewhere in the town, adult residents at The Rock Foundation have joined in the fun. They have spray painted a bike yellow and will be watching the race with whistles and cowbells.

Karen, café manager at The Rock Foundation, said: “They’re also going to make a cardboard cut-out of a cyclist and put it on the bike. We’re all really excited and it’s so nice to be part of the day and see everyone in the community come out.”

Preparations are also well underway in Market Rasen, where organisers will host a special event at De Aston Field on Wednesday, September 2. The day will include food, drink, entertainment and a large screen for people to watch the action. Painted bicycles will also be displayed throughout the town, with installations going up over the weekend.

Coun Stephen Bunney, ward member for Market Rasen, said: “The Lloyds Tour of Britain is a huge event and we’re excited to have it coming to Market Rasen. Events on this scale do not happen very often, so we want to make the most of it and bring people together.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, support local businesses and enjoy the community celebrations taking place along the route.