Notts-designed flag and trophy set to start and finish County stage of Tour of Britain – vote for your winner!

Following a county-wide design competition for school children, the vote is now open to decide the winning flag and trophy which will mark the start and finish of the Tour of Britain, when some of the world’s top cyclists will race through Nottinghamshire on 6 September. After getting more than 750 entries from local youngsters aged between 4-11 years old, the shortlisted 10 entries are now up for the public vote. The two overall winners will have their designs custom-made and get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wave their flag to officially start the race in Mansfield and present their trophy to the winner of the Nottinghamshire stage in Newark, set to be seen by a world-wide audience of millions. Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire Council County said, “This competition has really captured the imagination of young people across our county. We’ve had a huge volume of fantastic entries – so it was very tough to whittle these down to a shortlist. “The two winners will have their designs produced and have the chance to start and finish the race – which will be an unforgettable experience. “We need your help to choose the winners of both the flag and trophy competitions – so please get voting for your favourites before the closing date of Monday 7 August, 5pm.” Voters will have the chance enter a prize draw to win a signed Nottinghamshire County Cricket bat, including signatures from England stars Stuart Broad, Alex Hales and Jake Ball. Vote at www.notts.cc/tour-of-britain-vote before 5pm, Monday 7 August The Tour of Britain race is the biggest free-to-attend sporting event to come to Nottinghamshire. The route will take in 165 kilometres of the county’s roads on Wednesday 6 September. Starting in Mansfield, the riders will go to Hucknall before heading towards Worksop and riding through the magnificent Sherwood Forest. After continuing north, competitors will then pass through Retford and Collingham before finishing in Newark. For more information on the route and ideas on how to get involved go to www.nottscc.gov.uk/tourofbritain