Warwickshire welcomed thousands of residents, visitors and cycling fans on Sunday 23 August as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women brought world-class racing to the county.
Crowds gathered along the route through Leamington, Kenilworth, Wellesbourne, Shipston-on-Stour and Southam, creating a vibrant atmosphere and giving the riders a warm Warwickshire welcome as they competed in one of the UK's most prestigious cycling events.
Communities across the county played a key role in making the day a success. Businesses, community groups, volunteers and residents came together to support the event, from cycling-themed displays ahead of race day, including a knitted post box topper in Tredington, to community events and activities on the day.
Residents from the Royal British Legion’s Galanos House Care Home and Kenilworth Soroptimists cheered on the riders, while the Village Store in Bishops Itchington encouraged customers to support the cyclists and the Stour Health and Wellbeing Partnership hosted a community coffee morning. Across the route, spectators turned out in large numbers, with particularly enthusiastic support in Wellesbourne where crowds lined the streets to give riders a memorable welcome.
In Leamington, where the stage both started and finished, the town centre became a focal point for the day’s celebrations. Alongside the excitement of the race itself, visitors enjoyed a range of activities and entertainment at the fan zone in the Pump Room Gardens. With a range of bike and cycling themed activities, a climbing wall, food and drink stalls from local businesses, and the opportunity to watch all the live race action unfold on a giant screen, it was vibrant hub of activity throughout the day.
This final stage of the Tour of Britain Women provided an exciting showcase of elite women's cycling, with riders tackling a sprint along Friz Hill near Wellesbourne and Queen of the Mountain races at Sun Rising Hill and Burton Dasset Hills Country Park. Spectators were treated to thrilling racing throughout the day, with Lorena Wiebes ultimately taking the stage victory after an impressive performance.
As well as delivering a memorable sporting occasion, the event provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Warwickshire's towns, villages and countryside to a national audience. The highlights coverage on ITV4 captured some of the county's most iconic locations, helping to raise Warwickshire's profile as a destination for visitors and cycling enthusiasts alike. Local businesses also benefited from the additional footfall generated by the event, with many welcoming visitors who had travelled to watch the race.
Special guests on the day included two young competition winners, who had designed the starting flag and stage winner trophy. Elliot Smith, aged nine from Southam, is a keen cyclist and was given the important task of starting the race with his winning flag. William Fletcher, aged nine from Leamington, then had the privilege of handing over the trophy to Lorena Wiebes on the podium.
Cll James Crocker, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property said:
“The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women was a real spectacle: Leamington was packed with visitors enjoying the race and entertainment, with thousands more lining the route and showing their support. It was a fantastic advertisement for our beautiful county, and a real community celebration. A huge thanks must go to all those involved in organising and supporting this fantastic event.”
Warwickshire County Council extends its thanks to everyone who supported and participated in the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women. Together, they helped deliver a memorable event that celebrated world-class sport while showcasing Warwickshire as a welcoming, vibrant and active county.
For more information about visiting Warwickshire, including cycling routes and attractions across the county, go to: https://www.visit.warwickshire.gov.uk
For full results from the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, go to: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/women