First ever summit finish; time trial stage and central London finish return to eight day race
Race organiser SweetSpot has presented the route of the 2013 Tour of Britain, with the tenth anniversary race set to be the toughest yet. The eight-day race, which will run between September 15th and 22nd, will begin in Scotland as it has done for the last two editions, and sees the return of a time trial stage - with a 16km route around Knowsley Safari Park - and the ceremonial finish in central London.
“This year’s Tour will be an exciting and dynamic route, building on the success of last year’s race and celebrating what has been an incredible ten years of growth for The Tour of Britain and cycling in the UK,” said Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of SweetSpot Group.
“I would also like to welcome the return of IG Group as Partners of the Race. I am sure in 2013 whoever wears the race leader’s IG Gold Jersey will definitely have earned the honour.”
The 2013 race will also feature a summit finish for the very first time, at the top of Haytor in Dartmoor, Devon. Other challenges for the climbers will come as the race features a stage finish in Caerphilly, Wales, for the third straight year, which will feature two ascents of Caerphilly Mountain, as well as some tough routes across the Lake District, and into Snowdonia for the first time.
“This will definitely be the most challenging Tour of Britain yet,” said Race Director Mick Bennett.
“We have several unique features and are very excited about the inclusion of our first ever summit finish. Our longest ever time trial balances the course and will ensure that for spectators at the roadside and at home on television The Tour of Britain is a thrilling battle throughout.”
Last year’s Tour of Britain was won by Jonathan Tiernan-Locke (pictured) riding for Continental Team Endura, who has since transferred to WorldTour Team Sky.
Tour of Britain (2.1) September 15th-22nd, 2013
Stages
Stage One: Sunday 15th September - Peebles to Drumlanrig Castle, 201km
Stage Two: Monday 16th September - Cumbria, The Lake District Stage, Carlisle to Kendal, 225km
Stage Three: Tuesday 17th September - Knowsley Individual Time Trial, 16km
Stage Four: Wednesday 18th September - Stoke-on-Trent to Llanberis, 190.9km
Stage Five: Thursday 19th September - Machynlleth to Caerphilly, 177.1km
Stage Six: Friday 20th September - Sidmouth to Haytor, Dartmoor, 137km
Stage Seven: Saturday 21st September - Epsom to Guildford, 150.4km
Stage Eight: Sunday 22nd September - The London Stage, presented by TfL, 88km