2024 Tour of Britain Women: route for concluding stage revealed

Greater Manchester is set to host the final and decisive stage of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women on June 9, as the region celebrates its designation as the first-ever European Capital of Cycling. The stage promises a showdown among some of the world’s top female cyclists, culminating in the crowning of the inaugural Tour of Britain Women’s champion.

Stage 4 | Greater Manchester – Greater Manchester | Sun 9 June

The fourth stage will begin at the National Cycling Centre, the headquarters of British Cycling, and will cover a challenging 99km route ending at Leigh Sports Village. The stage is relatively short, but nonetheless packs in 1,615 metres of climbing, according to British Cycling. It will take the riders through some of Greater Manchester’s most scenic locations, combining steep ascents, rapid descents, and technical sections.

The route features two key Queen of the Mountains (QOM) segments that will likely be decisive. The first, a 2.72km climb from Delph to Grains Bar, features early in the race and presents a 5.5% gradient climb amidst the stunning backdrop of the Pennines.

The second and potentially race-defining climb is the infamous Ramsbottom Rake, known locally as “The Rake.” This brutal 0.97km ascent averages a daunting 9.9% gradient and will be the final battleground for the QOM points.

The riders then pass through the picturesque Wayoh and Entwistle Reservoirs in Edgworth, encountering several short but sharp “kickers” that could further separate the contenders from the rest of the pack. After that, the race moves towards Horwich, where the day’s intermediate sprint segment will be contested on Lee Lane, just 24km from the finish.

The finale in Leigh is expected to be fast and flat, setting up a dramatic sprint finish where history will be made as the overall race winner is determined.

Tour of Britain Race Director, Rod Ellingworth, expressed his enthusiasm for the final stage, noting the mix of challenging climbs, beautiful scenery, and industrial heritage that will provide a fitting backdrop for the world’s top women cyclists. “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,” said Ellingworth.