The city of Derby is set to host a stage start for the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men for the first time, as the East Midlands prepares for stage four of Britain’s premier professional cycling race between Derby and Newark-on-Trent.
On Friday, 6th September, stage four will commence outside the Derby Arena. This marks a significant occasion as the city, usually known for its top track cyclists, will welcome 100 of the world’s top road cyclists for the free-to-attend event, supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, expressed her enthusiasm: “It is great to be welcoming the Tour of Britain back to the East Midlands for the third year running. The race brings real excitement to the region and has the potential to inspire more people to get out on their bikes and enjoy the benefits of cycling. Events like the Tour of Britain are key to helping our visitor economy thrive and showcase, to a significant international audience, all that Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have to offer.”
From Derby, the race will proceed into Derbyshire, marking the first visit of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men since 2015. The race will then move into Nottinghamshire, a frequent host of the national tour, culminating in Newark-on-Trent.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, highlighted the significance of the event: “Hosting the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is a great honour for Derby. This event will boost our local economy, promote and inspire active lifestyles, attract visitors and showcase Derby’s vibrant culture and landscapes on an international stage. We’re looking forward to an unforgettable day of racing and the energy and excitement it will bring to our residents, visitors, businesses and all those taking part.”
Councillor Ben Bradley, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, added: “I am really excited that once again, the villages and towns of Nottinghamshire will come alive to the sounds and sights of the Tour which will boost our county economically and culturally. It is such a testament to the region that we continue to attract this hugely prestigious event and I can’t wait to cheer on the competitors and join in all the celebrations.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council Leader, Councillor Paul Peacock, also shared his excitement: “It is great news for our cyclist enthusiasts that the Tour of Britain is returning to Nottinghamshire this year! Newark and Sherwood is a regular host of the Tour of Britain, and we will once again step up and support Stage Four of the race. We’ve seen our many residents really embrace the spirit of the tour with our towns and villages going all out in their effort to decorate the area and welcome the race.”
British Cycling Events Managing Director, Jonathan Day, commented on the announcement: “We are delighted to be bringing top-level racing and the joy of cycling to the East Midlands with this stage linking Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire together thanks to the support of the East Midlands Combined County Authority. We are enormously thankful to the local partners who are supporting the delivery of the stage in the East Midlands, as we build on the momentum of June’s successful Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Women. We have seen the great support across Nottinghamshire for recent editions of the race, so have no doubt that communities in Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will again be out in force to welcome the riders and to make for another memorable stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, coming at the end of a huge summer of cycling.”
Nottinghamshire has become a regular host of stages of the race in recent years, with four stages having finished in the county since 2017. Newark-on-Trent has twice before been the location of those finishes, in 2017 (won by Fernando Gaviria) and in 2023 (won by Olav Kooij), while the town has also hosted rounds of the Lloyds Bank National Circuit Series town centre races.
The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men begins in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday, 3rd September, visiting the Tees Valley and South Yorkshire over subsequent stages. Following the stage start in Derby, the race heads to West Northamptonshire, before concluding in Suffolk on Sunday, 8th September after six stages of racing.
More details of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, including the location of the stage four finish, the map, detailed stage timings, and competing teams will be announced in the coming weeks.
