Derby to kick off East Midlands stage of prestigious cycling event

Derby is to provide the setting for a stage start of the prestigious Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men.

It has been confirmed that the city will host the start of stage four of the UK’s biggest professional cycle race. On Friday 6 September, riders will set off from Derby Arena and make their way to Newark-on-Trent.

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

Around 100 riders will be lining up on the roads outside of the arena in the free-to-attend event, which is supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “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.

“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.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and portfolio holder for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “Hosting the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is a great honour for Derby.

“This event will boost our local economy, promote and inspire active lifestyles, attract visitors and showcase Derby’s vibrant culture and landscapes on an international stage.”

After setting off from Derby, the riders will head into Derbyshire, for the first visit of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men since 2015.

They will then race on into Nottinghamshire, a regular host of the national Tour, for the finish in Newark-on-Trent.

Jonathan Day, managing director at British Cycling Events, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing top-level racing and the joy of cycling to the East Midlands with this stage linking Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire together, thanks to the support of the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

“We’re enormously thankful to the local partners who are supporting the delivery of the stage in the East Midlands, as we build on the momentum of June’s successful Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Women.

“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 and to make for another memorable stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, coming at the end of a huge summer of cycling.”

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.

Following the stage start in Derby, the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men will head to West Northamptonshire, before concluding in Suffolk on Sunday 8 September after six stages of racing.

More details of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, including the location of the stage four finish and the map, detailed stage timings, and competing teams will be announcing in the coming weeks.