By John Connell

Last updated at 11:47, Tuesday, 11 September 2012

News & Star competition winner James Bell is getting ready for breakfast alongside the Tour of Britain riders tomorrow.

Flying the flag: James Bell, who has won the News and Star Tour of Britain competition. Below, the Tour of Britain route from Carlisle

And the 66-year-old hopes that the event will put Carlisle on the map.

The News & Star competition winner , from Ryehill Park, Smithfield near Carlisle, will be treated to VIP hospitality with the cyclists before tomorrow’s race.

The cycling enthusiast will be at the Square Cafe in the Crown & Mitre where riders will be getting their pre-race fuel. He will also be given the opportunity to keep up with the riders from the comfort of the official race car.

Mr Bell, who was put forward for the competition by his sister, said: “It was a total surprise because I don’t normally win things.

“I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere but I’m also a bit nervous.

“I have been following the Tour of France and I will be following the Tour of Britain.”

He added: “It will raise the profile of the city and will really put is on he map.”

Mr Bell will be taking along his nephew Ian Grainger, 34, of Scotland Road in Carlisle as his plus one.

Both men entered the Yodel competition, organised through the News & Star.

Mr Bell, who will he taking part in the Jennings River Ride, caught the cycling bug two years ago when he took it up to keep fit.

The build up to the fourth leg of the Tour of Britain in Carlisle will kick off with a celebration of cycling from 9 am onwards. An awards ceremony near to the Old Town Hall will be held for the 17 schools taking in the event.

Among those on the podium will be Ellie Dickinson and Rebecca Morley of Trinity School who have both been competing in Manchester as part of a national cycling competition. The presentations will made by David Wilson, the Mayor of Carlisle.

The school is also allowing year seven and its sixth form to watch the event.

Declan McArdle, deputy head of Trinity School, said: “There is a real buzz around the place. What is great for our year sevens is that they know in their first full week they are going to have the opportunity to see a major sporting event during school time.

“It’s all to do with aspiration: it will encourage the students to pursue their goals, sporting and otherwise.”

Two pupils and an adult from each of the schools will set off from the start line outside the Old Town Hall

School cyclists at 10.55am, just ahead of the Tour of Britain riders who will be setting up at 11am prompt.

School cyclists will ride down Scotch Street before finishing at the bottom of the Street at the bollards in front of Debenhams.

The full route through Carlisle will include Scotch Street, West Tower Street, Castle Way, with a U-turn at the McVitie’s roundabout.

Cyclists will then go on to Castle Way, Devonshire Walk, Dacre Road, take the slip road back on to Castle Way on to the Hardwicke Circus.

They will then go on to Georgian Way, Spencer Street, Brunswick Street, Tait Street, Botchergate (A6), St Nicholas Street, St Nicholas Bridges and on to Blackwell Road, Boundary Road, Upperby Road and Brisco Road.

First published at 11:25, Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk