Cycle Tour returns to District

World-class cycling returns to Stratford-on-Avon on Friday 15 June as the 2018 OVO Energy Women's Tour passes through the district.

It is part of the tour's 150-kilometre third stage, held entirely in Warwickshire. Starting in the north in Atherstone, riders will visit Kenilworth and Warwick town centres before climbing to the highest points in the county, through Wellesbourne, Shipston-on-Stour, Burton Dassett and Southam, ending in Leamington Spa in the mid-afternoon.

Among the highlights will be the two designated Queen of the Mountains stages in Edge Hill and at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, where up to 1,000 spectators are expected to cheer on elite cyclists such as Lizzie Deignan and reigning Women's Tour champion Kasia Niewiadoma as they tackle more than 1,700m of ascent.

It is the third time Warwickshire has featured on the tour's itinerary, and Warwickshire County Council has worked with SweetSpot, the tour's organisers, to ensure that the stage showcases some of the county's best natural, historical and educational assets, as well as providing an exciting and challenging route for the cyclists.

Locations to feature in the Stratford-on-Avon section include:         

• Wellesbourne
• Ettington
• Halford
• Tredington
• Upper Brailes
• Tysoe
• Kineton
• Edge Hill
• Burton Dassett
• Fenny Compton 
• Southam
• Ufton

Last year, the event was a huge success throughout the whole county, with an estimated 95,000 spectators lining the streets. Residents looking to view the race this year should visit the OVO Energy Women's Tour website to see the entire route and estimated timings, or the Warwickshire County Council Women's Tour information pages, where there are details of events at the start and finish lines, and advice on how schools and businesses can get involved.

Coverage of the entire tour will also be shown on ITV4 and in 100 countries around the world - see the OVO website for a provisional broadcast schedule.