The 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women kicks off today, Thursday, June 5, marking a significant milestone in British cycling. After facing uncertainty last year, the race returns stronger than ever, thanks to the support of British Cycling and title sponsor Lloyds Bank . Much has changed but perhaps the most impressive addition is live coverage free to air on the BBC.
A Challenging Four-Stage Route
This year’s race spans four days, covering 423.6 kilometers across tough countryside in the North of England and Scotland. Here are the stages:
- Stage 1 (June 5): Dalby Forest to Redcar (81.5 km) – Riders will navigate the scenic North York Moors, tackling climbs like Blakey Ridge before finishing on the coast.
- Stage 2 (June 6): Hartlepool to Saltburn-by-the-Sea (114.3 km) – A hilly route featuring the steep Saltburn Bank climb, promising a dramatic finish.
- Stage 3 (June 7): Kelso to Kelso (143.8 km) – The race’s longest and most mountainous stage, introducing the event to Scotland for the first time.
- Stage 4 (June 8): Glasgow City Centre (84 km) – A 10-lap circuit through Glasgow’s streets, concluding at Glasgow Green. The final day also features a Family Cycling Festival, inviting the public to ride the same course post-race .
Star-Studded Lineup
A record 114 riders from 19 teams will compete, including top UCI Women’s WorldTour squads . Notable participants include:
- Lizzie Deignan (Lidl-Trek): The former world champion and two-time winner makes her final appearance in the race before retirement.
- Kristen Faulkner (EF Education-Oatly): Olympic Champion Faulkner recently won the US National Championships and will looking to capitalise on her form in this race
- Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime): The European champion boasts 14 victories on British roads since 2019.
- Anna Henderson (Lidl-Trek): Last year’s runner-up, aiming for the top spot.
- Letizia Paternoster (Liv AlUla Jayco): Finished fifth overall in 2024, narrowly missing a stage win.
- Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team): Riding on home roads, Ferguson will be seeking at least one stage win after crossing the line first in her last race in Navarra.
- Charlotte Kool (Team Picnic PostNL): Kool is still searching for her first win of 2025 but has got close on a few occasions. Her return to the peloton will be interesting to follow.
How to Watch
You can follow the action live on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, Discovery+, and the Lloyds Tour of Britain YouTube channel .
As the only UCI Women’s WorldTour race in the UK this year, the 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women promises thrilling competition and a celebration of women’s cycling.
