Spectators wanting to catch a glimpse of the highly anticipated Tour of Britain are advised to arrive early as roads along the route will close 15 minutes before the riders’ speed past.

Organisers have been working to minimise disruption for residents and commuters as soon as the elite cyclists enter Wiltshire at 10.40am on September 12.

Stage six sets off from Bath and Wiltshire road closures will start from 10.20am on the B3108 at Lower Stoke, while the A363 Masons Lane, Silver Street and St Margaret's Street will be shut from around 10.30am as they race through Bradford on Avon onto Trowbridge.

The A363 Trowbridge Road will be shut from 10.35am as it passes through Widbrook and Trowle, and Bradford Road, Stallard Street and Bythesea Road will close from around 10.40am.

The main A361 will be closed from 10.55am as the riders pass Seend on their way to Devizes where they will take in the Vale of Pewsey, before heading out of the county towards West Berkshire. The last of the county’s roads should be reopened by around 12.40pm.

Race director Mick Bennett said: “We’re hoping to see lots of spectators at the roadside throughout Wiltshire on September 12 cheering on and supporting the world’s top riders.
“Stage Six will be one of the most challenging legs of the Friends Life Tour of Britain, stretching across the country from Bath in the west to the Chilterns and Hemel Hempstead in the east.”

Council leader Jane Scott said: “We are really looking forward to seeing our local communities come out to support the riders at the roadside, and I hope that by seeing the race first hand it will inspire people to get out and about on their bikes across the many beautiful cycle routes that we offer in Wiltshire.

"I am aware that the communities on the route are planning lots of activities and are looking forward to showcasing what makes them unique.

"We hope that local schools will also take the opportunity to allow the school children to see the race and show their support for the elite riders. Personally I am looking forward to seeing the riders pass in front of County Hall in Trowbridge and we are currently making plans for how we welcome them in Wiltshire."