Lincoln to feature on ITV as host to Lloyds Tour of Britain

Lincolnshire is set to host the first two stages of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain men's race on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September 2026 for the first time and now it's been confirmed the race will be shown on free-to-air (no cost to view) ITV4 and ITVX.

Lincoln will host the start and finish of stage one on Wednesday 2 September, bringing Britain's biggest professional men's cycle race to the city for the first time.

Additionally with confirmed broadcasters across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, Lincoln as the host city for the start and finish of stage one will benefit from this global coverage and interest in the race.

Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said regarding the event-

Its fantastic news that the opening stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain will begin in Lincoln, with the magnificent backdrop of our wonderful historic city.

“We expect crowds will line the pavements along the route to witness some of the best cyclists in the world in action.

“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.

Regarding the ITV coverage, Managing Director of British Cycling Ventures, Darren Henry, said-

“We want to bring the UK’s premier cycling races to as many people as possible, so we are thrilled to be giving fans more ways to experience the joy of cycling whether they are in their homes, on the move or on catch-up, whenever is convenient.  

With 182.5km and 1,315m of ascent, riders will head out into the Lincolnshire Wolds after leaving Lincoln, passing through Market Rasen before reaching the route's northernmost point at Caistor. They will then travel via Waddingham and Ingham before returning to the city.

After almost 120km of racing, the riders will tackle Michaelgate five times on a finishing circuit based on the famous Lincoln Grand Prix route, one of the most prestigious events in the Lloyds National Road Series. The iconic cobbled climb is expected to provide a thrilling finale.