OVO Energy Women's Cycle Tour returns to Warwickshire

The leading female professional cycling road race in the UK cycling calendar will return to Warwickshire in June for the fourth year running.

On Thursday 13 June 2019, Warwickshire County Council, with support from Stratford-on- Avon District Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council and Warwick District Council will be hosting stage four of the prestigious race, which will see 100 of the world's top professional riders weave their way through towns, villages and rural areas across Warwickshire

The first hill-top finish in race history will take place at Burton Dassett Country Park, and is set to play a crucial part in deciding who will win the coveted OVO Energy green jersey. The final details of the Warwickshire route are currently being finalised by the county council and will be announced shortly. However, at 158.9 km, it's confirmed that the Warwickshire stage will not only be the longest stage, but also one of the most challenging. Highlights of the race will be screened on ITV4.

Last year, more than 100,000 spectators lined local streets to see some of the world's top female cyclists come together for the third stage of the Women's Tour, topping 2017's attendance.

Almost two thirds of that figure - approximately 63,000 people - was made up of fans coming to Warwickshire to see the race - with an estimated 2,000 travelling from overseas.

The tour also provided a boost to the local economy, with an incredible 42 per cent - around £860,000 - of the tour's £2million net spend spent by cycling fans in either Atherstone, where the race officially started, or in Royal Leamington Spa, the finishing point of the stage.

Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Council Monica Fogarty said: "I am thrilled that Warwickshire will once again be hosting a stage of the OVO Energy Women's Tour. As well as being fantastic entertainment for spectators, this event is of huge economic benefit to the region. It's an opportunity for local businesses on the route to celebrate and embrace cycling as the race comes past their front door, as well as for others to maximise on business opportunities from increased customers and visitors.

"As in previous years, we are working to ensure that spectators can watch the race from multiple spots throughout the day. Each year, the response from local people is phenomenal, with businesses and schools coming out to watch - all adding to the great atmosphere. This year we hope even more people will support and enjoy this fabulous race which is watched by viewers across the planet."

Mick Bennett, Race Director of the OVO Energy Women's Tour, said: "The support for the OVO Energy Women's Tour in Warwickshire has been truly unforgettable and something that riders have commented on year after year. Therefore I'm delighted to announce that we'll be returning to the county this June and this year's stage promises to be even more exciting and unpredictable than our incredible previous visits. Historic Warwick will put on a spectacular show as it hosts the start while the climb through the picturesque Burton Dassett Country Park will prove a real test for our many competing Olympic, world and national champions!"

16  teams, including the top 15 cyclists in the world, are among those doing battle in the five-day race, which was won last year by American Coryn Rivera.

Launched in 2014, the OVO Energy Women's Tour is a part of the UCI Women's WorldTour, and the UK's leading women's cycling event.

The 2019 OVO Energy Women's Tour will begin in Suffolk with Stage One from Beccles to Stowmarket on Monday 10 June. Further details of this year's OVO Energy Women's Tour, including the full race route and competing teams, can be found on the Women's Tour website.