City to host Tour of Britain race for first time

Cyclists battle it out to the finish line during stage three of the 2023 Tour of Britain

Derby is to host a stage of this year's Tour of Britain men's cycle race.

It will be the first time the event for the world's top cycling professionals has visited the city - although it has passed through Derbyshire before.

Stage four of the race will run between Derby and Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire on Friday, 6 September.

Around 100 competitors will set off from outside Derby Arena, known to cyclists for its indoor track.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield, outside Derby Arena

Relaunched in 2004, the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, held annually across six stages in September.

The race features Olympic, world and Tour de France champions and attracts a roadside crowd of more than a million spectators.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “This is a great honour for Derby.

"It 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."

From Derby, the race will head into Derbyshire for the first visit of the event since 2015, and then onto Nottinghamshire, a regular host of the national tour.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: "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."

'Welcome the riders'

British Cycling Events managing director Jonathan Day said: “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.

"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."

The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men begins in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday, 3 September, visiting the Tees Valley and South Yorkshire over subsequent stages.

After visiting the East Midlands it heads to West Northamptonshire, before concluding in Suffolk on Sunday, 8 September.

More details of the exact route and timings will be announced in the coming weeks.

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