The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women returns this June with its biggest line-up yet, as eighteen teams prepare to race across Yorkshire, the Scottish Borders and Glasgow. After a difficult couple of years – including a cancelled 2023 edition and a hastily rebuilt 2024 race – this year’s start list offers a clear signal that the event is regaining its status on the Women’s WorldTour calendar.
Twelve Women’s WorldTour teams are confirmed, just one shy of the record set in 2022 under Sweetspot’s previous organisation. That peak came at a time when the race was firmly embedded in the calendar. The presence of twelve WWT squads in 2025, including returning champions and major British names, shows how quickly the race has re-established itself under new stewardship.
2025 Women’s Tour of Britain Teams
The field will be led by Team SD Worx – Protime, winners in 2024 with Lotte Kopecky, and ever-present at the event since 2014. They’ll be joined by Lidl–Trek, expected to include both Lizzie Deignan, the 2023 winner, and Anna Henderson, who finished second overall last year. British champion Pfeiffer Georgi is likely to be a central figure for Team Picnic PostNL, another team with strong British ties.
Other confirmed WorldTour teams include Canyon SRAM, FDJ–SUEZ, Movistar, UAE Team ADQ, Uno-X Mobility, Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Ceratizit Pro Cycling, Liv AlUla Jayco and debutants AG Insurance – Soudal. ProTeam EF Education – Oatly will also make their first appearance at the race, adding further depth to the start list.
For the British Continental scene, all five UCI teams are included: CJ O’Shea Racing, DAS – Hutchinson, Hess Cycling Team, Smurfit Westrock, and Handsling Alba Development Road Team. With limited opportunities to race WorldTour opposition on home roads, this remains a rare platform to test themselves at the highest level — and perhaps spring a surprise or two.
Reactions
Among those relishing the return is Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who won the final stage of the race in 2024. Reflecting on that performance, she said her memories of the event are still fresh. “It was one of my favourite races last year, particularly because I won stage four – my first WorldTour win.” The Liv AlUla Jayco rider added that she sees 2025 as another chance to race aggressively. “This year’s edition really suits our team attributes, the racing is exciting, and the roadside support is really impressive.”
UAE Team ADQ’s Lizzie Holden, who hasn’t raced the Tour of Britain Women since 2022, said the appeal of competing in front of home crowds remains a major motivator. “British races are notoriously hard,” she said, pointing to the heavy road surfaces, rolling terrain and unpredictable conditions. “It’s a perfect recipe for aggressive and exciting racing. I really enjoy this style and I know as a team we’ll show up with purpose, race aggressively, and put on an amazing show.”
Her teammate, Elynor Bäckstedt, echoed the enthusiasm, particularly for the chance to race in front of friends and family. “It’s always one of the nicest races of the year because my family can come and watch. The crowds are amazing.” The Welsh rider also pointed to the importance of visibility for the sport. “Seeing all the kids come out from schools to watch is so special.”
Scottish-based Handsling Alba will be especially motivated this year, with two stages taking place in Scotland — a rare home opportunity for a team more accustomed to travelling across Europe to compete. Team Manager Bob Lyons described it as the most significant race on their calendar. “It’s the only WorldTour race we get to ride on home soil, and the only chance to really showcase the team here in the UK.” With Kelso and Glasgow hosting the final two stages, it’s a unique opportunity for their riders to race in familiar surroundings, with Lyons calling it “very exciting” for the team, supporters and sponsors alike.
Photo Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com2025 Women’s Tour of Britain Route
The already announced 2025 route begins on Thursday 5th June in the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, with the opening stage running from Dalby Forest to Redcar across the North York Moors. Day two will see riders tackle a punchy uphill finish into Saltburn-by-the-Sea, which could prove decisive for the GC. The race then heads north, with the Scottish Borders hosting the penultimate stage from Kelso, before a final showdown in Glasgow on Sunday 8th June.
| Stage one | Thursday 5 June | Dalby Forest to Redcar |
| Stage two | Friday 6 June | Hartlepool to Saltburn-by-the-Sea |
| Stage three | Saturday 7 June | The Scottish Borders Stage, Kelso to Kelso |
| Stage four | Sunday 8 June | The Glasgow Stage |
Further announcements on detailed stage profiles and full rosters are expected in the coming weeks.
