THE WOMEN’S Tour is set to speed its way through Warwickshire again this June – with Stratford and Leamington playing major roles.
Stratford is set to host the race’s Grand Depart for the fiist time ever on Wednesday June 7.
Over 100 of the world’s best riders will set out from the town and head into the Warwickshire countryside for an undulating day of racing set entirely within the county.
And stage one is set to finish in Leamington – the scene of victories for Australians Chloe Hosking and Sarah Roy in the 2017 and 2018 editions of the race respectively.
The Women’s Tour’s two previous stage finishes in Leamington were watched by more than 20,000 spectators and generated a boost worth over £750,000 to the town’s economy.
Warwickshire will feature once again three days later, as the race moves to the north of the county, with Coleshill marking the starting point for stage four on Saturday June 10. This will be the market town’s first appearance in the race.
Warwickshire is intrinsically linked to the Women’s Tour, having previously hosted the prestigious race’s first hill-top finish – at Burton Dassett in 2019 – and time trial – in Atherstone two years ago. The Commonwealth Games road races were also held in Warwick last August.
Coun Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “I am thrilled once again that Warwickshire has been chosen to host a stage of the Women’s Tour.
“Our county has a rich history of hosting high-level cycling events having played host to both the men’s and women’s stages of the Tour of Britain over the past few years as well as being chosen as the location for the Commonwealth Games Road Races in 2022.
“Last summer was a true demonstration of Warwickshire’s reputation as a world-class host for cycling and cyclists and this year’s Women’s Tour is a wonderful opportunity to build on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.
“As well as being tremendous free entertainment for the spectators who line the roads of the route, the Tour is of huge economic benefit to the area. From the south of the county hosting the Grand Depart to the north hosting racing on a weekend day – both fantastic firsts for Warwickshire – residents and business across the county will have the chance to celebrate and embrace cycling as the Tour passes through their area, and take advantage of the commercial benefits from increased numbers of customers and tourists.”
Coun Liam Bartlett, Warwick District Council’s economy spokesperson, added: “It’s a great privilege that our district has again been chosen to host the country’s ultimate women’s cycling event, which on the back of the 2022 Commonwealth Games clearly demonstrates our pedigree as a world class location for international sport. We are looking forward to welcoming the competitors and spectators for another exciting day of competition.”
