Sherwood MP Mark Spencer reflects on the success of the Tour of Britain’s visit to Newark and Sherwood

With The Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest and most prestigious cycling race, having so brilliantly showcased Sherwood to both national and international audiences, it seems extremely fitting for me to use this month’s As I See It to reflect on this wonderful event and pay tribute to the marvellous character of our home.

The tour’s fourth stage began at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

This was the first time Sherwood Forest has been a host venue for the event, and it goes without saying what an enormous privilege it was to open one of the tour’s stages.

For our part as hosts, I firmly believe our community once again displayed the energy and enthusiasm that I have seen countless times as your MP, and that we should all be incredibly proud of.

As some of the world’s most formidable cyclists gathered for the 166.6km stretch ofthe race to New-ark, cycling enthusiasts were joined in Sherwood Forest by our community, who brought the charm, warmth and spirit that I know defines Sherwood.

As the race began, the enthusiasm and support from the crowd made it an incredible success.

Later in the day, as the race returned to Sherwood from Retford, once again our community did us proud in supporting the race and its participants.

For those watching at home, both in the UK and abroad, there is no doubt in my mind that viewers will have seen not only the natural beauty of our local environment but the sense of togetherness and camaraderie that defines us as residents of this outstanding area.

It has always been a huge personal honour for me to represent in Parliament not only a place that I and my family call home, but also a place with such an integral sense of community. Whether it be through holding surgeries, attending events or just speaking to locals in our vibrant town centres, I have always seen the genuine care and compassion that we display to one another, as well as a vibrant and engaged community that is always happy to get out and support great causes.

On September 6, we seized the opportunity to show the country and the world everything that is great about Sherwood and its people.