Tour of Britain

About

Calling all cyclists, sports fans and thrill seekers! The iconic Tour of Britain road bike race descends on the Isle of Wight on 11th September 2022, with the final of 8 exciting stages set to start from the historic seaside town of Ryde and concludes the race right here on the Island at the Needles Battery.  

The UK's most prestigious cycle race, the Tour of Britain comes to the Isle of Wight for the first time in 2022. The event offers an amazing sporting spectacle for visitors and locals alike, seeing 19 of the world's top teams race across the Island's varied and picturesque landscape.

Spectators at Ryde can expect over 100 pro riders on the Stage 8 start line, including the top British domestic teams, a GBR national team as well as multiple Tour de France winners - making the Tour of Britain one of the biggest sporting events the Island has ever seen.

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. 

Special offers - Check out the offers available during this cycling event.

One certainly not to be missed!