The OVO Energy Tour of Britain, the UK’s most prestigious and longest-running race, kicks off in Scotland this weekend. Find out where and when to catch the action.
This year the race, which is in it's 16th year and now well established in the calendar, will tackle a challenging 1,250km route which focuses largely on Scotland and the north of England with the most southernly stage being the individual time trial on Stage 6 in Worcestershire.
Speaking ahead of the Tour's arrival Craig Burn, Scottish Cycling Chief Executive, said: “At Scottish Cycling, we are thrilled to welcome the Tour of Britain back to Scotland. To have not one, but two stages of the race will provide cycling fans multiple opportunities to watch some brilliant bike racing and showcase Scotland’s unique landscape. Membership of Scottish Cycling continues to grow with more than ever people riding bike. We know that major events such as elite stage races, are key in achieving our mission to develop a nation of cyclists.”
The Stages
Stage 1: Glasgow - Kirkcudbright
Saturday 7 September
Interactive stage map | Online stage timetable | Downloadable stage timetable (PDF, A4)
The race departs from the iconic George Square in Glasgow city centre, with a lengthy 201.5km stage concluding in the vibrant town of Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway. Local clubs will be lining the roads around Dalmellington where a couple of category two climbs split the stage midway. Another category three climb features as part of the hilly finale to the stage.
Stage 2: Kelso - Kelso
Sunday 8 September
Interactive stage map | Online stage timetable | Downloadable stage timetable (PDF, A4)
Stage two of the Tour of Britain will feature the stunning Scottish Borders, starting and finishing on the cobbled Market Square in Kelso. The route is punctuated once again by a number of category two climbs including Harden’s Hill and Scott’s View before sweeping through the pretty town of Melrose for a final challenging climb before a decent towards the finish.
Following the pair of Scottish stages the OVO Energy Tour of Britain will move to the North East of England, with a North of Tyne stage heading from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the city centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne on Monday 9 September, Stage Four begins from South Shore Road in Gateshead, crossing the Pennines for an uphill finish in Kendal, Cumbria on Tuesday 10 September.
The Teams
The 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain will once again feature a world-class field. Team INEOS, Team Jumbo – Visma and Team Movistar headline the 20 teams confirmed for this year’s race. Eleven teams fresh from competing in the Tour de France will take part in the tour including the French AG2R La Mondiale squad of Romain Bardet, who make their first appearance since 2009.
The 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain finishes overall in Manchester city centre on Saturday 14 September. ITV4 will once again screen live free-to-air coverage of each stage, along with a nightly highlights programme of the best of the action.
