The Tour of Britain is the country’s largest free to spectate sporting event, pictured in a previous year in Yorkshire
Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire will host the third stage of this year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Men on Thursday 4 September.
Stage three of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event will start from Midsummer Boulevard in Milton Keynes, and finish on Woburn Road in Ampthill, Central Bedfordshire.
It marks the first time that the Lloyds Tour of Britain has come to Central Bedfordshire and Ampthill, and a return for Britain’s national tour to Milton Keynes for the first time 17 years, with the city last hosting a start during the 2008 race.
“Milton Keynes is truly a cycling city with more than 200 miles of redways, two national cycle routes and so many passionate cyclists. We’re excited to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to our city and it promises to be a fantastic celebration for all our cycling enthusiasts.”
“We’re incredibly proud to be hosting a stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain cycle race for the very first time. Many of us remember the moment we were inspired to take up a sport, so perhaps amongst those who watch the athletes whizz past them in September will be a future cycling champion. We hope it will be a thrilling day for all residents and visitors alike and are looking forward to welcoming the riders and celebrating this world-class sporting event with our communities."
The detailed route of the Milton Keynes to Ampthill stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men will be published later in July.
“It is great to be working with Milton Keynes City Council and Central Bedfordshire Council to bring the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to their communities this September.
“Over the coming weeks we look forward to sharing more exciting details about this year’s race with fans and building up to what will be another incredible edition of the Lloyds Tour of Britain.”
The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men begins in East Suffolk on Tuesday 2 September, with an opening leg between Woodbridge and Southwold, followed by a second stage in Suffolk at Stowmarket.
Further announcements about the host venues of the remaining stages, as well as the participating teams for the Lloyds Tour of Britain will be made over the coming weeks.