Cycling fans are being reminded of the key locations to watch this year’s Tour of Britain as it passes through Cumbria next week.
The star-studded line-up for the race includes home favourite Mark Cavendish, who has won the most stages in modern Tour of Britain history, Tokyo 2020 medallists Wout van Aert, Ethan Hayter and Rohan Dennis; and reigning UCI road world champion Julian Alaphilippe.
The stage starts in Carlisle on the morning of September 10 and winds its way through some of the county’s most scenic areas before heading east for the finish on Tyneside.
These include Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Unthank, Langwathby, Melmerby, Alston and Nenthead.
Sprints can be enjoyed at Motherby roughly around 11.43am and in Penrith at approximately 12.20pm. Meanwhile, the lung-busting King of the Mountain climb takes place at Hartside Pass at 12.50pm.
“It’s fantastic to have the Tour of Britain return once again in Cumbria” said keen cyclist and vice chair of Cumbria Tourism, Dan Visser.
“Cumbria and the Lake District were made for cycling and this year the Tour traces parts of the UK’s most popular challenge cycle route the Sea to Sea (C2C) from Whitehaven to Newcastle.
“For tourism businesses in the area, it’s a chance to demonstrate their cycling friendly credentials, providing more reasons for visitors to return and to stay longer. When the Tour last came to Cumbria in 2019 the county saw a financial boost of more than £1.5 million.”
Cycling enthusiasts can take to the road themselves on September 11 by taking part in the Solway Coast Cycling Festival.
This brand-new event takes place the day after the Tour on the beautiful Silloth Green from 10am to 4pm and is perfect for all ages and levels, from beginner to club cyclists.
There will be traffic management systems in place on the day, ensure you leave plenty of time to reach your chosen destination and check the Tour spectator guides to plan your visit to the race. Cycling enthusiasts can now prepare for the event by downloading the 2021 Tour of Britain Manual for free on the official website.
Gill Haigh adds, “Sustainable travel is one of our key priorities, both within the Lake District National Park and wider county and we look forward to visitors being inspired by the Tour to enjoy days out on bike, boat, bus and train.
“We anticipate this event will not only bring economic benefits to the local communities along the route but to the whole region; supporting jobs, boosting our visitor economy, and highlighting to people what a remarkable and memorable place Cumbria is to rediscover.”
To view our interactive map of the Tour of Britain route, click here.
