Cycling tour to return to city after 17-year break

Crowds welcome the 2024 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men

Part of the 2025 route for Britain's biggest professional cycle race has been announced.

Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire will host the third stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men on Thursday, 4 September.

It will start at Midsummer Boulevard in Milton Keynes, marking its return to the city for the first time since 2008, and finish on Woburn Street in Ampthill.

Relaunched in 2004 after a five-year absence, the event is held annually across six stages in September.

Milton Keynes City Council cabinet member for sport Mick Legg said: "We're excited to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to our city and it promises to be a fantastic celebration for all our cycling enthusiasts."

The 2024 stage finish in Northampton

This year will be the first time that the Lloyds Tour of Britain has come to Ampthill and Central Bedfordshire.

Leader of the council Adam Zerny said: "We hope it will be a thrilling day for all residents and visitors alike and are looking forward to welcoming the riders and celebrating this world-class sporting event with our communities."

The detailed route of the Milton Keynes to Ampthill stage will be published later in July.

Paul Magnier wins in Northampton in 2024

The race begins in East Suffolk on Tuesday, 2 September, with an opening leg between Woodbridge and Southwold, followed by a second stage at Stowmarket.

Further announcements about the host venues of the remaining stages, as well as the participating teams for the Lloyds Tour of Britain, will be made over the coming weeks.

The largest free-to-attend sporting spectacle in the UK features Olympic, world and Tour de France champions, and attracts a roadside audience of over one million spectators.