THE final route for the Tour of Britain Women has been revealed as the world's best female cyclists will cross the finish line in Leigh.
Formerly known as 'The Women's Tour', The Tour of Britain Women has welcomed the world's best female cyclists since 2014, with riders racing through various towns and cities across England and Wales.
With the event taken over by British Cycling last year, the four-day challenge will see riders racing from Welshpool to Llandudno, across routes in Wrexham and Warrington, and a final stage from Manchester to Leigh.
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As Manchester has recently been named the first ever European Capital of Cycling, riders will depart from the National Cycling Centre on Sunday, June 9, heading northeast though Oldham and Rochdale, before making their way to the finish line at Leigh Sports Village.
The anticlockwise route will cross the Ashton Canal, heading northeast to Oldham shortly before riders will face the first queen of the mountains (QOM) segment of the day.
At 2.72km long with an average gradient of 5.5%, the Delph to Grains Bar climb features 23km into the route and lies among the Pennines.
The rolling route will take in the towns of Shaw and Rochdale with riders facing a fast descent through Edenfield before taking on the short but formidable Ramsbottom Rake.
Just 0.97km in length but averaging at a 9.9% gradient, the climb known locally as “The Rake” is where the final QOM points of the competition will be collected.
The peloton will pass the picturesque Wayoh and Entwistle Reservoirs in Edgworth before facing a series of punchy kickers from Dimple which are likely to do some further damage.
The day’s intermediate sprint segment sits on Lee Lane in Horwich with 24km of the race remaining.
A fast, flat run into Leigh will set the stage for what is expected to be a spectacular finish to the race where spectators will witness history in action as the overall race winner will be awarded.
Tour of Britain Race Director, Rod Ellingworth, said: “I am incredibly proud of the collective efforts of everyone involved to allow us to be in a position where we can announce the fourth and final route of the Tour of Britain Women.
"Stage four is set to be another incredibly tough stage, with a series of challenging climbs, beautiful scenery and visual reminders of the area’s industrial heritage where spectators will witness the very best of women’s road racing in action.
“As the European Capital of Cycling, we know that our partners in Manchester and the surrounding boroughs will put on a show not to be missed. We are extremely grateful for the support of Marketing Manchester, Manchester Active, Manchester City Council, Wigan Council and all those involved for their ongoing commitment and support.”
Councillor David Molyneux MBE, leader of Wigan Council, added: “We are so excited that the Tour of Britain women’s race will finish at Leigh Sports Village (LSV) next month.
“This announcement could not be more welcomed, and we’re so proud that our borough is quickly becoming a major hub for women’s sport following our hosting of the UEFA Women’s EUROs, Rugby League World Cup and now the Tour of Britain Women.
“There is going to be a fantastic atmosphere with plenty of activity down at the LSV on Sunday 9 June, so make sure to come down, have fun and support the riders!”
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