Spectators watching the Friends Life Tour of Britain cycle race in Wiltshire can take their pick of good viewing points to watch the world’s top cyclists.

But certain areas on the route have been identified as dangerous for spectators and also for marshals to patrol. Communities are being encouraged to come out and support the race as it passes through the county but spectator safety is key to a successful event.

Police and Wiltshire Council are warning much of the route follows open countryside along narrow roads and these are not suitable for parking. Most of the route is not suitable for cars to be driven to viewing spots and parked and spectators are asked not to park on the race route.

B3108 Winsley Hill (lead cars’ arrival: 10.42am)

Spectators have also been advised not to gather on the B3108 between the Wiltshire border and the left-hand bend on the railway bridge because of the lack of a footpath.

But just up the road, the pavement to the left on Winsley Hill has been recommended as a good spot to watch the riders. No risks to spectators have been identified and those watching should get a good view of the riders leaving Winsley.

Bradford on Avon (10.51am)

The B3108 coming into Bradford on Avon has paths on both sides of the road and is suggested as a good spot to catch the peloton racing by but there is no path on one side of the road near the Wine Street junction and a marshal will be preventing spectators from gathering at this point.

Spectators will be prevented from watching on certain sections of Masons Lane and also near the hatched ‘box’ section at the bottom of Market Street with police patrols likely to be supporting the marshals in both these areas.

The Town Bridge will be kept clear of spectators to allow those not watching to cross to continue with their working day. The bridge will be closed to pedestrians as the race crosses and parking will be also suspended on the railway bridge in St Margaret’s Street.

Spectators on Trowbridge Road can use the nearside, away from parked cars on the opposite side, one side of Widbrook Hill and good paths and verges on the A363 coming into Trowbridge make it another good spot to watch from as is Cockhill and Bradford Road.

Trowbridge (10.57am)

No spectators will be allowed on County Way towards the Tesco Extra store. Marshals will be turning people away.

A good location to watch the teams is on the grass verge past the Tesco turn off on County Way as the road heads towards the Roundstone Street roundabout and further along the route on the A361 Hilperton Road.

Hilperton (11.02am)

In Hilperton itself, parking will be suspended on Devizes Road near the Lion and Fiddle pub and also where the road narrows where the traffic calming measures are situated.

Spectators at Trowbridge Rugby Club should be aware there is only a narrow footpath on one side of the road.

The A361 past West Wiltshire Crematorium on Devizes Road has been identified as another vantage point but spectators are warned there are no footpaths or verges on the rest of the road heading into Seend.