TELEVISION coverage of the Tour de France could help change perceptions of Barnsley, according to the council's head of culture.
Sue Thiedeman believes filming of the cycle race, some of which is done aerially from helicopters, will promote the natural beauty of the borough and help distance it from the stereotype of being an old mining area.
Millions of people around the world are expected to watch the event on TV, with almost 200 riders due to pass through Flouch and Langsett on Sunday afternoon.
"Making the most of the race has been a massive undertaking for us but we've done our best to maximise what we can get out of it," Sue said.
"It's priceless in terms of people realising that Barnsley's not just a pit town. We've got all this countryside and, actually, it's beautiful."
Thousands of people are expected to line the roads to cheer on the 198 cyclists and spectators are advised to arrive early and expect disruption to road networks.
The race route, along the A628 and A616, will be closed to vehicles from midnight tomorrow until Sunday evening, in addition to Mortimer Road, Gilbert Hill, Fulshaw Lane, Goddard Lane and Windle Edge.
A one-way system will be be in operation on the A628 from Millhouse to Flouch roundabout, as well as along the A616 from the roundabout to the junction with Lee Lane.
Live traffic updates will be available at letour.yorkshire.com and more information can be found at visit-barnsley.com/tour-de-france
