Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain races to the Isle of Wight on Sunday 11th September 2022, starting from Ryde and finishing with an exhilarating climb for the title at the Needles Battery finish line. Promising an exciting sporting spectacle against a spectacular Island backdrop, this is an event not to be missed!
 
Over 100 of the world’s best road riders will push off from the seaside start line at Ryde mid-morning this September, setting off on a gruelling 150km race across the Isle of Wight. Passing through many of the Island’s charming villages, boutique towns, there are plenty of opportunities for spectators to catch the race roadside, as the pros do battle by bike around the Isle of Wight.

The Route...

Heading east from Ryde, the race will pass through the main towns of Bembridge, Sandown, Rookley, Shorwell, Mottistone, Freshwater, Yarmouth, Shalfleet, Cowes, Newport, Godshill, Shanklin, Ventnor, Niton to finish at The Needles, the most westerly point of the Island.
 
There will be two chances to see the race go by at Rookley, and those watching at Sandown can walk or pedal along the coastal path to Shanklin for a second look.

The same goes for those in Brighstone and Hulverstone, with a short journey south to the Military Road to see the peloton take on the big climb to Freshwater!

Spectators in Yarmouth can also hot foot it to Alum Bay, ready to catch the race heading for the finish line overlooking the famous chalk stack landmark and glittering sea views.

Where to Watch...

Spectators along the route can expect a buzzing bike filled day, with an electric atmosphere, warm hospitality, and a community celebration of the race wherever you choose to watch. Aside from the decorated hubbub of the towns, the Isle of Wight’s unique landscape offers natural variation and challenges across the course.
 
Sections of the race from the Yarbridge Inn out of Sandown and through the thatched old town of Shanklin towards Ventnor will be less fast paced, making for great spots to see more of the action and take photographs.
 
The steep spiralling hills in and out of Ventnor will make for exciting viewing. Fast hair pin declines down to the beach and almost vertical corkscrew climbs back out of the town will have spectators cheering the riders on and holding their breath at the same time! Winding bends in the road are a recognisable feature in any major cycling race, those on the south side of the Island reflective of the snaking mountain paths of France, Italy and Spain.
 
On the approach to the finish line, riders will face 39km of hard cycling along the Military Road, a long scenic stretch with views of white cliffs and out to sea - a great place to set up and picnic for the day. 

The Big Finale...

The Needles Old Battery, a site managed by the National Trust, offers breath-taking views on all sides, and a sloping hillside to catch the end of this great race. Overlooking the famous-coloured cliffs of Alum Bay, riders face the ultimate hair pin climb to the chequered flags.
 
Taking every ounce of mental and physical strength they can muster after almost four hours of fast paced cycling, the race could be won or lost in this final challenge on the way to the finish.

As well concluding for the Island race, the Needles finish line concludes the 2022 Tour of Britain, deciding both the stage and overall winner.

While to spectate along the route is totally free, booking travel and accommodation for the Tour of Britain weekend is essential to avoid disappointment. See below for options and inspiration!

  

Special Offers...

Check out the offers available during this cycling event.