Scotland will take centre stage in this year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Women as the race heads north for a decisive weekend of racing, community activity and celebration. With stage 3 based in Kelso and the final showdown taking place on a city centre circuit in Glasgow, the 2024 UCI Women’s WorldTour event brings top-level racing back to Scottish roads for the first time since the 2023 World Championships.
Glasgow’s stage, set for Sunday 8th June, will not only host the final GC battle on an 8.4km urban loop, but also a major family cycling festival that will open the roads to the public later in the day.
The final stage will see the world’s top riders take on 10 laps of a technical, punchy circuit that runs through the heart of Glasgow. Racing will take place between 10am and 12.15pm on the day, with fans able to watch the action unfold on big screens within the event village on Glasgow Green.
Then, between 1-4pm, those same roads will be handed over to the public, with cyclists of all ages and abilities invited to ride the same course for free. A shorter 2.4km loop around Glasgow Green will also be available during that window.
Lucy Jones, Operations Director at British Cycling Events, said: “It’s important that major events like the Lloyds Tour of Britain make a lasting impact beyond the elite competition. Closing the roads and giving people the chance to ride through their own city is a huge opportunity to inspire the next generation, particularly young girls, who we’re encouraging to join our Go Ride clubs this summer.”
Photo Credit: Calum ChittleburghBuilding on Scotland’s growing cycling legacy
Scotland’s recent cycling history is already rich. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships set new standards for public engagement, and the country’s cycling infrastructure and culture have continued to grow in the aftermath.
Nick Rennie, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, believes the return of a UCI Women’s WorldTour race to Scotland is the next step in that journey.
“The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is going to bring a lot of excitement, particularly for women and girls’ cycling,” he said. “With our Women & Girls Strategy launched last year, this is the kind of high-profile racing that helps make lasting change. The stage in Kelso and the finale in Glasgow will showcase the best of what Scotland has to offer.”
Home support and home teams
The final two stages will be particularly meaningful for Scottish-based teams and riders, including Handsling Alba Development Road Team. Founded with a strong focus on developing Scottish talent, the team comes into the race with momentum, following wins by Lauren Dickson at the Rapha Lincoln GP and Kate Richardson overall at the Tour de Feminin.
Speaking on Glasgow Green, Handsling Alba rider Arianne Holland said: “To race on home roads, in this kind of environment, is phenomenal. City centre racing is exciting, but also tough – the corners are technical, and you need more than just power. But hearing your name in the crowd when you’re deep in the pain really gives you something extra.”
DAS Hutchinson’s Morven Yeoman, from nearby Strathaven, is hoping to make her debut at the race in 2024. “This is as close to home as it gets for me,” she said. “To be able to race in front of friends and family, and to ride circuits where people can see you multiple times – it’s going to be a huge boost.”
Photo Credit: Calum ChittleburghMore than just a race
With its combination of elite sport and public participation, the Glasgow stage is designed to offer something for everyone. The Family Cycling Festival on Glasgow Green will run from 9-5pm with activities, stalls, and live coverage of the race.
“It’s not often you get the chance to ride on closed city centre roads,” said Yeoman. “It’s going to be something special – and hopefully it encourages more people to get out on their bikes, whether they’re racing or just starting out.”
As Scotland hosts its first ever stages of the Tour of Britain Women, the focus is not just on who wins in Glasgow – it’s about how the city and country continue to grow as a hub for cycling.
Main photo credit: Calum Chittleburgh
