'Incredibly proud' to be hosting Tour of Britain

2 hours ago

Eleanor Maslin,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshireand

Charis Scott-Holm,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — It will be the first time in more than 30 years that a national Tour will visit Lincoln

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority Several road cyclists dressed in various colours of lycra and helmets are all cycling down a country lane next to a field full of hay bales, with rolling fields behind it. — It will be the first time in more than 30 years that a national Tour will visit Lincoln

East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire leaders have said they are "incredibly proud" to be hosting part of the 2026 Tour of Britain men's cycling race.

The event, which attracts top competitors from around the world, starts in Lincoln on 2 September and the second stage takes place between Boston and Skegness the following day.

Hull will host the start of stage three on 4 September, with the finish in Beverley.

Council leaders said they were "thrilled" and "delighted" to host the race, which would showcase the region to a global audience providing a "much-needed boost" for local businesses and tourism.

Getty Images Cyclists racing up a cobbled street, with people standing on a path cheering them on. — Lincoln, known for the gruelling climb up the cobbles of Michaelgate, will host the opening leg of the event

It will be the first time in more than 30 years that a national Tour will visit Lincoln, though the city regularly hosts the Lincoln Grand Prix.

Councillor Joshua Wells, of City of Lincoln Council, said: "It's fantastic news that the opening stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain will begin in Lincoln, with the magnificent backdrop of our wonderful historic city."

Neither Boston nor Skegness has hosted a modern-day Tour of Britain race, though in 1991 Skegness last hosted the Milk Race, which was one of the most prestigious cycling events in Britain at the time.

Leader of Boston Borough Council Dale Broughton said: "This is a great opportunity for our communities to showcase what they have to offer and a much-needed boost for local businesses.

"We can't wait to see the pelotons of cyclists and their supporters."

Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: "Having such a prestigious event will demonstrate everything we have to offer from our world-class coastline and beaches to the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds, and our historic market towns."

Getty Images Spectators at a cycling event standing behind a barrier and wearing cycling masks which include a man's face wearing blue cycling glasses and a red, white and blue helmet. Everyone is smiling and holding up their phones at the back. — Officials say they hope the event will attract visitors to Hull and East Yorkshire

Hull last hosted the start of the men's stage in 2008 when a leg departed from the city centre for a stage finish at Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire.

Council leader Mike Ross said the return of the event reinforced Hull's reputation as a major sporting city.

"We look forward to welcoming some of the world's top cyclists to our city and I have no doubt that the route will be lined with spectators to welcome the peloton in Hull," he said.

Beverley has previously hosted stages for major cycling races including the Tour of Britain in 2023, when the event last visited the county.

Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, added: "Major events like this help put East Yorkshire on the map, inspiring people to discover everything our area has to offer."

The race will continue into North Yorkshire for stage four, before finishing in the Scottish market town of Earlston.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East YorkshireorLincolnshireon BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices