Tour of Britain descends on Greater Manchester

The race will see the world’s top female riders and teams go head-to-head across four tough stages

Greater Manchester is getting set to host the final stage of the Tour of Britain Women 2024 this weekend.

The cycling race will see the world’s top female riders and teams go head-to-head across four tough stages.

The race, which began on Thursday in Welshpool, travelled through Warrington on Saturday and will finish in Manchester on Sunday

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to show support and cheer on the cyclists as they travel through Failsworth, Oldham, Saddleworth and Shaw.

Oldham Council said the borough would be one of the highlights on the National Cycling Centre to Leigh route, with its steep hills, winding roads and frequently high winds.

The event follows on from the success of the Tour of Britain 2023, where the men’s competition ascended on the borough.

This year, cyclists will come through Failsworth, and will officially start the Oldham stage, on Ashton Road around 11.15am.

They will cycle down the Oldham Way, Lees Road, up to Lydgate, through Uppermill and Delph, up the gruelling Grains Road, down into Shaw, and then out to Rochdale.

A spokesperson for Oldham Council, said the event was expected to inspire residents of all ages to take part in cycling, lead an active lifestyle and take advantage of the borough’s amazing landscapes and terrains.

"We are thrilled to welcome the Tour of Britain Women 2024 for the first time and be part of one of the nation’s biggest free-to-attend sporting events," the spokesperson said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty of our town to a global audience, and we look forward to the energy and excitement that the race will undoubtedly bring to residents, visitors, businesses and all those taking part."

Spectators are being encouraged to join in the action by watching for free from the roadside.

TV providers will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of each stage, and nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch wherever they are.

The race will also be live-streamed on the British Cycling YouTube channels.