9th Tour of Britain Women 2024 – Stage 1The 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is set to commence on August 19, 2026, in Cockermouth, Cumbria, marking the first time this picturesque market town will host the opening stage of the prestigious event. (cumberland.gov.uk) This year’s race has expanded to five stages, covering a total distance of 635.9 kilometers, and will conclude in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, on August 23, 2026. (procyclingstats.com)
Star-Studded Lineup
The 2026 edition boasts a formidable lineup of riders, including defending champion Ally Wollaston of FDJ United-Suez, who is eager to defend her title. SD Worx-Protime will field a strong team featuring 2024 winner Lotte Kopecky and sprinter Lorena Wiebes, fresh off her impressive performance at the Tour de France Femmes. (cyclingweekly.com) AG Insurance-Soudal’s Kim Le Court-Pienaar, a recent stage winner at the Tour de France Femmes, is also among the notable competitors. (cyclingnews.com)
British Contingent
The British contingent is particularly strong this year, with national champion Zoe Bäckstedt leading Canyon-SRAM. Her sister, Elynor Bäckstedt, will represent UAE Team L’IMAD. Other prominent British riders include Millie Couzens (Fenix-Premier Tech), Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic PostNL), and Alice Towers (EF Education-Oatly), who joins the Great Britain national team for this event. (cyclingweekly.com)
Race Route Highlights
The five-stage race will traverse diverse terrains, including the challenging Great Orme climb on stage 3 and a demanding route through central Wales on stage 4, featuring 2,227 meters of elevation gain over 138 kilometers. (cyclingweekly.com) The final stage in Warwickshire will include ascents such as Sun Rising Hill and Burton Dassett Hills, testing the climbers’ abilities. (warwickshire.gov.uk)
Event Details
- Start Date: August 19, 2026
- End Date: August 23, 2026
- Total Distance: 635.9 kilometers
- Stages: Five
- Host Towns: Cockermouth, Clitheroe, Blackpool, Mold, Leamington Spa
The 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the talents of both established stars and emerging riders across the UK’s varied landscapes.
Highlights:
- Tour of Britain Women 2026 start list: Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes confirmed, Published on Friday, August 14
- Tour de France Femmes stage winners Lorena Wiebes and Kim Le Court-Pienaar headline star-studded start list for Tour of Britain Women, Published on Friday, August 14
- Bäckstedt sisters head up UK line-up for Tour of Britain Women, Published on Wednesday, August 12