One of the biggest cycling events of the year is heading for Lancashire, and may yet pass through parts of Preston.
The 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women’s race will see the second stage go from Clitheroe to Blackpool.
Lancashire County Council and British Cycling are staying tight-lipped over the exact route but in a video the county council leader includes ‘Preston’ as he talks about the stage which is on Thursday 20 August.
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It’s a second major cycling announcement for the county after confirmation the Tour De France was heading for Lancashire in 2027 – and is expected to pass through Ribble Valley and Chorley.
This is the first time the Tour Of Britain women’s race has passed through Lancashire. The 2015 men’s race visited going from Clitheroe to Colne.
Leader of the county council, county councillor Stephen Atkinson, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to Lancashire during the summer holidays, giving more residents and visitors the chance to experience world-class cycling on their doorstep.
“With the Lancaster Grand Prix in July, the Tour of Britain Women’s in August and the Tour de France Grand Départ coming in 2027, this is a hugely exciting time for sport in Lancashire. These major events bring communities together, inspire the next generation and showcase the very best of our towns, villages and countryside to audiences across the UK and beyond.
“Residents can enjoy the atmosphere as the race passes through their local areas, with activities for young people running in the lead-up to August. We’re proud to play our part in delivering events like this and the lasting legacy they leave behind.”
Director of events for British Cycling Ventures, Jonathan Day, said: “We are excited to be bringing the prestigious Lloyds Tour of Britain Women to these fantastic locations in August. For the first time, there is parity in the number of stages with the men’s race a few weeks later, so it is a huge opportunity to create a real festival of cycling, with the women’s race kick-starting a brilliant few weeks of elite racing.
“On behalf of British Cycling Ventures, I would like to say a huge thank you to our partners across the five stages for supporting the hosting and delivery of this August’s landmark race and enabling us to bring a memorable and action packed five days of world class racing to their communities, spreading the joy of cycling along the route, and inspiring more people to get on a bike and live healthier lives.”
