John Stevenson MP has enthusiastically welcomed the news that Carlisle will welcome stage 6 of the 2021 Tour of Britain cycle race.
The Tour of Britain is a multi-stage cycling race, conducted on British roads, in which participants race across Great Britain to complete the race in the fastest time. The event which has run in its current form since 2004 attracts some of the greatest names in the cycling word alongside thousands of visitors who flock to the start and finish points, as well as lining the routes.
Cumbria will welcome the race for a third consecutive year when it hosts the start of this stage, marking its 11th appearance in the UK’s biggest cycling event (only London has welcomed the Tour of Britain on more occasions). This will also be Carlisle’s fifth appearance in the UK’s biggest cycle race, all of which have been as a start location.
The route will start in Carlisle on 10th September 2021, head through the Pennines, including a SKODA King of the Mountains climb at Hartside, altogether a 200km route, with the race culminating outside Sir Antony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North sculpture.
John said. “I am absolutely delighted that the Tour of Britain will be returning to Cumbria with a stage 6 start in Carlisle. I am sure I speak for all my constituents when I say there will be a warm Carlisle welcome for the riders and all the visitors on 10th September. I intend to be there to enthusiastically wave the riders off, and I would encourage residents, local businesses, schools and community groups to join me and get involved on the day. This is a fantastic opportunity to show off our lovely city to a world wide audience.”