The East Midlands route for stage four of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race, the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, has today been announced, that will take the race from Derby to Newark-on-Trent, through Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire on Friday 6 September.
For the first time in the 20-year history of the modern race, the city of Derby will welcome the race, with the stage getting underway at 11:00 from outside of the Derby Arena.
Elvaston, Borrowash, West Hallam and Heanor all feature as the Tour heads through the roads of Derbyshire for the first time since 2015, crossing into Nottinghamshire at Eastwood and continuing through Hucknall, Ravenshead, Blidworth, Southwell and Tuxford, before crossing the River Trent to race south to the finish alongside Sconce and Devon Park in Newark-on-Trent.
Commenting on the announcement, Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men Race Director Rod Ellingworth said:”After three tough days of racing, stage four could be the first chance for the sprinters, and having seen the likes of Fernando Gaviria and Olav Kooij win in Newark-on-Trent in the past, we know it is a route and finish that suits the fast men, and also an area of the country where the race always enjoys great support from the community.
“While the roads of Nottinghamshire will be very familiar to the peloton, we are delighted to be able to showcase the Derby Arena with our start, and then head through parts of Derbyshire and west Nottinghamshire that haven’t seen the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men for several years. Our thanks go to the East Midlands Combined County Authority and to our partners at Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, and the boroughs across the route for their support of the stage.”
Councillor Ben Bradley, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to see the race come back to Nottinghamshire this year, thanks to our partnership with the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
“It’s a huge honour that the race will go through most of our county and a testament to the success of the previous four editions of the race hosted by the county council, which have attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators and generated millions of pounds for our local economy.
“The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of Nottinghamshire to a global audience, as well as to inspire more people to take up cycling and enjoy the health and environmental benefits of active travel.
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best cyclists and their fans to Robin Hood County for a fifth time and making it another memorable event for everyone involved. The county has clearly proven itself as a Tour destination, creating lasting memories and a legacy that is hard to beat.”
Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, commented on the announcement:
“Last year we were delighted to host both the start and finish for stage four of the Tour of Britain. This year we are delighted to see the Tour return to our district and to once again host the finish of the stage.
“Last year we saw crowds lining the streets all along the route, with local communities stepping up and decorating the way with some very creative ideas. The Coddington farmer, who managed to get his flock to create a penny farthing was a particular highlight.”
