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Route announced for 2026 Tour of Britain

David McKennaEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Getty Images Geraint Thomas crosses the finish line cheered by the riders in his farewell and last race as a professional cyclist during the 21st Tour of Britain 2025. The riders are all wearing cycling colours and helmets.Getty Images
Geraint Thomas in his farewell race as a professional cyclist during the 21st Tour of Britain 2025

The host venues for the 2026 Tour of Britain men's cycling race have been announced.

The first two stages of the professional road cycling event, which attracts top competitors from around the world, will be held in Lincolnshire on 2 September.

Further stages will be held in East and North Yorkshire before concluding in the Scottish Borders on Sunday 6 September.

Jonathan Day, director of events for British Cycling Ventures, said it would be a memorable event and one which would hopefully inspire more people to get on a bike and "live healthier lives".

Getty Images Cyclists racing up a cobbled street, with people standing on a path cheering them on.Getty Images
Lincoln is known for the gruelling climb up the cobbles of Michaelgate

The opening leg will start and finish in Lincoln, before heading to the coast for the second stage between Boston and Skegness.

The race then moves to Hull, before heading into the Wolds for the finish in Beverley, East Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire then hosts stage four, starting in Helmsley and finishing in Leyburn.

The final stage will see the peloton heading north over the border into Scotland, with a new start and finish location in the market town of Earlston for the first time in the event's history.

Day added: "We are delighted to be bringing the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to these fantastic locations.

"Taking the Tour to Lincoln for the first time, a city synonymous with its love for cycling, will be special for the opening stage of the men's race."

He added that Lincoln was known for hosting the annual Lincoln Grand Prix, which is the country's longest‑running and biggest single-day road race and features a 656ft (200m) climb up the cobbles of Michaelgate towards the city's cathedral.

PA Media A group of cyclists, wearing colourful Lycra cycle along a paved, single track road, surrounded by hedgerows. In the background, Whitby Abbey, a ruined stone building, can be seen.PA Media
North Yorkshire has hosted many international cycling races over the years

The Tour of Britain last visited the East Riding of Yorkshire in 2023 when the race finished in Beverley, while Hull also hosted a stage in 2008, with the men's race last held in North Yorkshire in 2022.

The Scottish Borders has a rich tradition of hosting stages, with the race heading to Hawick in 2021 and 2022 and Kelso in 2017, 2019 and 2024.

Organisers said further announcements, including the detailed routes for the five stages, would be announced in the coming weeks, as well as the host locations for the women's race.

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