East Midlands’ Tour of Britain route revealed

Details have been revealed for the East Midlands stage of the forthcoming Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men cycle race, which will begin in Derby.

Last month, it was announced that stage four of the UK’s biggest professional cycle race would begin on Friday 6 September, with riders setting off from Derby Arena and making their way to Newark-on-Trent.

Around 100 top riders will set off from the arena at 11am. Elvaston, Borrowash, West Hallam and Heanor all feature as the tour heads through the roads of Derbyshire for the first time since 2015, crossing into Nottinghamshire.

Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men race director Rod Ellingworth said: “While the roads of Nottinghamshire will be very familiar to the peloton, we are delighted to be able to showcase the Derby Arena with our start, and then head through parts of Derbyshire and west Nottinghamshire that haven’t seen the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men for several years.

“Our thanks go to the East Midlands Combined County Authority and to our partners at Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, and the boroughs across the route for their support of the stage.”

While Derby already welcomes some of the world’s best track cyclists to Derby Arena, this will be the first time to city has played host to the world’s top professionals on the road.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council’s cabinet Mmember for Streetpride, public safety and leisure, said: “We’re delighted to mark Derby as the starting city for the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men for the first time ever.

“Launching from Derby Arena and traveling through Elvaston, Borrowash, and Heanor, this milestone event highlights our city’s growing prominence and offers a unique chance to showcase Derby’s commitment to promoting sports and healthy living.”

The Tour of Britain’s presence in the region is being supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, who recently launched her ambitions for a Visit East Midlands strategy at the Devonshire Group’s iconic Chatsworth House, said: “Those of us who live and work here know what a superb place the East Midlands is to visit, we need to tell the rest of the country and the world, hosting the Tour of Britain is a huge coup for us.

“The visitor economy supports local businesses, creates jobs and wealth, but we know we can attract even more visitors, creating more opportunities across our counties, towns, villages and cities for people of all ages.

“My mission is to drive inclusive growth across the region and the Visit East Midlands programme is a key part of those ambitions. The Tour of Britain is a great way to showcase what we’ve got.”