Lincolnshire will host not one but two legs of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain, it has been confirmed.
The first leg of the men’s event will start and end in Lincoln on Wednesday, September 2, while the following day will start in Boston and end in Skegness.
This is the first time the county has hosted the modern event, and it’s expected to provide a windfall for local hotels, restaurants and shops.
Councillor Natalie Oliver, who is in charge of culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be welcoming the Tour of Britain to Lincolnshire this year.
“Lincoln is no stranger to world-class cycling, proudly hosting the Grand Prix every year, and this latest event further cements our reputation as a premier destination for the sport.
“Bringing such a prestigious race to our area will be hugely inspiring for our children and young people, giving them the opportunity to see elite athletes up close and encouraging them to get involved in cycling and lead active, healthy lives.”
Lincoln’s economic growth executive Councillor Joshua Wells said the city would be a “magnificent backdrop” for the first day.
“Hosting the first stage of this iconic national cycling event will have an incredibly positive impact both on the day and long after the peloton has departed.
“Hotels, restaurants, and retail can all capitalise on the media coverage that puts our city front-and-centre of the UK’s greatest cycle race.”
The other three legs will take place across East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.
The organisation and hosting fee will cost Lincolnshire County Council up to £450,000, although this is expected to lead to large amounts of publicity through the media coverage.
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The exact routes haven’t been confirmed yet, with the council hinting at using Lincoln’s Cathedral area as a key location.
When the possibility of hosting the race was discussed recently, most councillors were enthusiastic, although some questioned whether it would deliver value for money.
The organisers claim last year’s race led to £40 million of benefits across the host areas.
A 2027 leg in Lincolnshire could also be on the cards if the first is a success, the council has said.
The Lincoln event will take place directly after the city’s annual Steampunk festival, capping off a summer of culture.
By Jamie Waller (Local Democracy Reporter)
