BRITAIN’S biggest professional cycling race will be pedalling through Warwickshire this autumn.
Riders from around the globe will descend on the county as it hosts the fourth stage of the men’s 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
The fourth stage of the eight stage race will see the riders cover 183km from Nuneaton to the finish line in Leamington on Wednesday September 5, taking in Stratford, Kenilworth and Rugby en route.
News of Warwickshire’s inclusion in the race for the first time in 15 years comes on the back of the success of the county’s hosting of the women’s race. The Ovo Women’s Tour will be visiting Warwickshire for the third year running next week with a stage from Atherstone to Leamington on Friday June 15..
Warwickshire County Council leader Izzi Seccombe said: “This is a massive coup for Warwickshire to be hosting a stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain and it is very exciting news.
“Once again an event like this shines a global spotlight on the county, which is extremely positive for everyone.”
The men’s route will take in Warwick University, Kenilworth and Warwick castles, and travel through Stratford, Rugby before finishing in Leamington.
The route will also include three climbs at Ilmington, Edge Hill and in Burton Dassett Country Park.
In past events cycling stars such as Alexander Kristoff and Michal Kwiatkowski and British racers Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas have competed in the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
And like the women’s tour, the race will be broadcast daily on ITV4, and to viewers around the world.
