The UK’s biggest professional cycling competition, The Tour of Britain, begins on the 4th of September and ends on the IOW on the 11th. The cycling race on the Isle of Wight takes place is culmination of eight days riding. The tour hosts 120 of the world’s best riders from 18 of the top teams.
**Please note as a mark of respect to the passing of Queen Elizabeth on the 8th of September stages six, seven and the final stage eight on the Isle of Wight have been cancelled.**
As with other tours there are stage wins, sprints and king of the mountain competitions. But the overall winner is the most coveted prize. In 2021 it was won by Wout Van Aert from Belgium who rides for Team Jumbo. Previous winners include British riders Sir Bradley Wiggins and Steve Cummings.
Tour of Britain 2022 schedule (4th to 11th September)
- Day 1: Aberdeen to Glenshee Ski Centre
- Day 2: Hawick to Duns
- Day 3: Durham to Sunderland
- Day 4: Redcar to Duncombe Park, Helmsley
- Day 5: West Bridgford to Mansfield
- Day 6: Tewkesbury to Gloucester
- Day 7: West Bay to Ferndown
- Day 8: Ryde to The Needles
Since its return to the race calendar in 2004, the Tour of Britain has consistently attracted the best teams and high-profile riders. INEOS Grenadiers have been ever-present in the event since their inaugural season in 2010 as Team Sky. They have won stages with Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Wout Poels.
The likes of Israel – Premier Tech, Movistar Team and Team DSM are all regulars at the race which attracts the best from around the world.
Route of The Tour of Britain on IOW
For the first time the Isle of Wight is hosting the 148.9km final leg of this race. The route on the island will begin in Ryde near the Wightlink fastcat terminal and take in many of the towns and beautiful views the IOW has to offer. The race ends at the iconic Needles.
Playing host to the final stage of the Tour crowds are expected to line the route. It is hoped that the Island will witness a frenetic finale as some of the world’s best cyclists battle for first place.
The Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team know the Isle of Wight roads well. They have cycled the route so you can get a good idea of the twists, turns and climbs to expect. You can watch their video about it below.
You can easily visit the Island to put yourself in the heart of the action. And Wightlink are offering 15% off Tour of Britsain bookings, so don’t delay, book your Tour of Britain getaway today: www.wightlink.co.uk/tour-of-britain-2022.
Cycling on the Isle of Wight
It is not just the pros that can enjoy a good ride on the Isle of Wight. Cycling is regarded as one of the best IOW activity holiday ideas.
Many keen cyclists cycle around the island in a day, although stopping part way for the night makes a weekend of it! There are also cycle paths running through the centre of the island, for example from Sandown to Newport.
For those who like their riding a little rougher there are mountain biking trails at Brighstone Down and Brading Down. But the MTB star is the 4km of purpose made trails at Cheverton Farm. You’ll find red and blue routes with berms, humps, table tops, doubles, step downs and other obstacles.
Now you know the route of The Tour of Britain cycling race on the Isle of Wight perhaps you’ll pop over for the day? Alternatively head there for a week to have a proper British holiday. Whatever you chose book your crossing with Wightlink: www.wightlink.co.uk
