'Amazing' Cumbria to be showcased by cycle tour
swpix.comThe first stage of the women's Tour of Britain will showcase "amazing" parts of Cumbria, a council chief has said.
Stage One of competition will begin and end in Cockermouth and take riders through 98.7 miles (158.9 km) of Cumbrian countryside, including almost 6,300ft (1.9km) of ascent.
The first of five stages, it starts on 19 August and will pass through Frizington, Whitehaven, Lowca, Workington, Flimby, Maryport, Allonby, Silloth, Wigton, Caldbeck and Aspatria.
Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer said he was "delighted" with the route.
The route takes in views of the Irish Sea, which could bring crosswinds on exposed sections, organisers said.
The riders will finish on a 16.1 mile (26 km) circuit around Clints Crags, passing Watch Hill and Ruddings Hill.
Fryer said: "We are delighted the route takes in so much of our west coast and will showcase our amazing towns and landscape."
Cumbria is also hosting a start and a finish of the men's Tour de France next year.
"This is great news," Fryer said, adding it was "proof our area is a prime location for international events".
The 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is the longest in the event's history with a total distance of about 395 miles (635.8km).
Stage Two runs from Clitheroe to Blackpool, Stage Three from Mold to The Great Orme, Llandudno, Stage Four is Llanidloes to Hay-on-Wye and Stage Five takes place at Royal Leamington Spa.
Director of events for British Cycling Ventures, Jonathan Day, said the route reflected the ambition to bring elite women's cycling to "the diverse communities across Britain".
He said: "We have put together a course that provides opportunities for a range of different rider types to try and challenge for the title, ensuring every stage has the potential to shape the overall outcome."
