International Cycle Race on its Way to Ribble Valley
The second stage of this year’s Tour of Britain Women’s cycle race will start in Clitheroe.
Dozens of international riders, and their support teams, will descend on the town on Thursday 20 August before making their way to the finish line in Blackpool.
The 2026 race is part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, making it one of the most prestigious events in the sport’s global calendar, and will mark a historic first for Lancashire as the women’s race visits its communities for the first time.
Clitheroe previously hosted the men’s race in 2015, staging the start of a stage that finished in Colne which was the last time the Tour of Britain visited Lancashire. Ribble Valley will also host a stage of the Tour de France in summer 2027, when Britain welcomes the Grand Départ.
British Cycling research showed the 2025 Lloyds Tours of Britain brought an overall cumulative economic impact of £62.3 million to the local areas which hosted the ten stages, bringing huge social impact to communities across the country as well.
Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Simon Hore said:
“The Lloyds Tour of Britain attracts a huge following, some of the world’s most elite cyclists and an international television audience, so is the ideal showcase for the borough’s beautiful countryside and many attractions.
“The event offers businesses and community organisations a fantastic opportunity to get involved, revel in the excitement and make the most of increased footfall on Tour day.
“Stage 2 of the 2015 men’s Tour started in Clitheroe and attracted tens of thousands of spectators, along with a significant economic boost.
“We are really excited to be hosting the women’s Tour and hope our communities will give the event a warm Ribble Valley welcome, while making the most of the opportunities it has to offer.”
Details of the exact route and timings will be announced over the coming weeks.
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