STUART Hirst, the leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council:

“THE 2015 Aviva Tour of Britain is one of the most significant projects to be undertaken by Ribble Valley Borough Council in its 40-year history, reflecting the ambitious and confident way in which the council is promoting and developing the area’s economic potential.

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“Not only will there be significant benefits from the tens of thousands of spectators expected to descend on Ribble Valley for Stage 2 of the Tour, but we anticipate an economic boost of around £3million across the two host boroughs.

“At 300 square miles, most of which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ribble Valley is one of the largest boroughs in the UK, with the smallest population – around 54,000. Its two towns, Clitheroe and Longridge, and 44 villages are set in unspoilt countryside.

“But stunning countryside is not Ribble Valley’s only claim to fame, as Tour of Britain spectators will discover. The borough is one of the UK’s premier destinations for food and drink, award-winning independent retailers, walking and cycling, and is a popular wedding destination.

“Stage Two of the tour starts in Clitheroe, which is famed for its specialist shops and Clitheroe Castle, which overlooks the start of the race and boasts 360-degree panoramic views of the borough from its Norman keep.

“Ribble Valley is dominated by Pendle Hill, which is the official Stage 2 King of the Mountain. At 1,835ft high, Pendle is not quite a mountain, but will certainly give the Tour of Britain cyclists a run for their money.

From Pendle, Stage Two will pass through Whalley, home to the 13th Century Cistercian Whalley Abbey, and Ribble Valley’s second town, Longridge, before entering the ancient Forest of Bowland, which features some of Ribble Valley’s most picturesque villages, including Dunsop Bridge at the exact centre of the kingdom and Slaidburn, which like many in the borough remains unspoilt by modern development.

“The Tour of Britain attracts a huge following, as well as an international television audience, so is the ideal showcase for Ribble Valley’s many attractions and promises to boost the local economy by around £3million.

“I would encourage our towns and villages to get involved in what I have no doubt will be a truly spectacular and landmark event.

“We are delighted to be hosting Stage Two of the 2015 Aviva Tour of Britain and look forward to giving the elite cyclists, their teams and visitors a warm Ribble Valley welcome.”