The Tour of Britain Women will grow to five stages in 2026, following confirmation from British Cycling that the UCI has approved their request to extend the race’s duration. The move marks another step in closing the gap between the women’s and men’s editions of the national tour, as British Cycling continues to realign the two events under its own management.
Next year’s expansion comes off the back of a successful 2025 edition, won by Ally Wollaston of FDJ-Suez, with British teenager Cat Ferguson finishing runner-up. Having returned to the calendar in 2024 after a cancelled edition the previous year, the race has quickly regained momentum, with improved prize money, a stronger field, and growing support from domestic and international fans alike.
A British Cycling spokesperson said: “Bringing the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women up to five stages for 2026 is yet another step in creating parity between the men’s and women’s races, something which is fundamental to our major events vision.”
“When we took on the running of both races last year, we outlined our plans and were true to this commitment, therefore it was a no-brainer to increase prize money for the women’s race, as a first step.”
The 2026 edition will also take place in August, moving it closer to the men’s race in September, and further aligning the two on the international calendar. The governing body has stated it intends to reach full parity by eventually expanding the women’s race to six stages, matching the current length of the men’s event.
British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton said last month that although challenges remain around the cost and logistics of staging major races on public roads, there is a strong appetite among riders and fans for more high-level events in the UK. “If you look at the Tour of Britain Women, just take the riders and the teams last year compared to the riders and the teams this year, it shows that people value racing in the UK.”
He noted that while moving toward a sustainable model would require “some more tough conversations,” the longer-term goal remains clear. “We’ve not got enough events with enough event organisers that are sustainable, and that’s just part of the overall challenge. But at British Cycling we have a duty and responsibility to be part of the solution.”
Main photo credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
