Full reaction to the 2022 Tour of Britain host region reveal, which took place on Thursday 10 February.

Click here to explore the eight stages that comprise this year’s race (Sunday 4 – 11 September 2022).

Mick Bennett | Tour of Britain race director
“Announcing the locations of the Tour of Britain stages is always a day I look forward to greatly, as I know how much people want to watch the race from their own doorsteps! The 2022 race is shaping up to be another unforgettable edition of the race, particularly since we’re mixing familiar regions, with new areas, places we’ve never fully explored and those we’ve been unable to visit for many years. Hopefully today’s announcement whets the appetite while we finalise the routes of the eight stages – rest assured we’ve got some more surprises to come!”

Brian Facer | British Cycling chief executive
“I’m really excited to see the regions which will be hosting the Tour of Britain later this year. The race will go through both existing heartlands of the sport, along with other areas of the country which will give us the opportunity to introduce cycle sport and British Cycling to new people of all ages. Meanwhile those regions, from the north of Scotland to the Isle of Wight, will have a showcase which will be watched by a global TV audience.

“Over the last few years the Tour of Britain has become one of the world’s leading races, with global superstars coming to compete in our country. It has also given our up-and-coming young British riders the opportunity to test themselves against the best. 2022 will be no different, and it will be a brilliant eight days of racing in September.”

Tour of Britain 2022

STAGES ONE AND TWO
SCOTLAND
Sunday 4 and Monday 5 September

Paul Bush OBE | VisitScotland director of events
“The Tour of Britain is a key part of our world-class portfolio of events taking place in Scotland this year and EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the hosting of two stages of this prominent cycling race for the third edition running.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and our long-term partnership with the Tour of Britain is the ideal platform to showcase what the country has to offer as we build towards the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.”

Nick Rennie | Scottish Cycling chief executive
“It’s fantastic to see the Tour of Britain returning to Scotland once again, and after hosting the finish in 2021, I have no doubt Aberdeen will make fantastic hosts of the Grand Départ. Having this great race start in the granite city also means we have been able to host our own criterium championships on closed, city centre roads the day before, alongside a number of other cycling activities for all the family, which should make for an amazing weekend of cycling.

“Events like this, and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, continue to put Scotland on the map as a great cycling nation, and are vital for us as we try and inspire people to get on a bike and take part in our wonderful sport.”

Photo: Stage one of the 2022 Tour of Britain will start in historic Aberdeen city centre (credit: Visit Scotland – Kenny Lam)

STAGE ONE
ABERDEEN AND ABERDEENSHIRE
Sunday 4 September

Cllr Andy Kille | Aberdeenshire Council leader
“Last year we celebrated being the furthest north that the Tour has ever finished in its history, and this year we will be the furthest north that has ever hosted the Grand Départ. While the detail of the exact route is still to be confirmed, the early plans would suggest it is going to be an absolutely spectacular finish in Aberdeenshire, something neither the riders nor the viewers will forget.

“I know the team are working to bring the Tour in 2022 into the heart of communities that didn’t get to experience the live action last year, thus widening the popularity of the race as well as the knock-on appetite for cycling across all of our communities. The series of Tour of Britain races which have been hosted in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are sure to leave a legacy for many years to come.”  

Cllr Jenny Laing | Aberdeen City Council leader
“Aberdeen was immensely proud to host the finish of last year’s Tour on the beachfront, where thousands of residents and visitors witnessed the spectacular conclusion to a world-class sporting event. That the race will this year start in Aberdeen is testimony to the enthusiasm of fans, the partnership support on offer, and the City Region’s burgeoning reputation as a place to live, work, visit and do business. We have invested in the infrastructure needed to grow our events offering and are all winners on the back of that vision. The economic, environmental and social benefits from the Tour’s presence this year and last will be felt long into the future.”

Chris Foy | VisitAberdeenshire CEO
“The return of this prestigious event underlines the region’s emerging status as a top cycling destination with extensive TV coverage shining a spotlight on our spectacular routes and dramatic scenery. As we look forward to extending a warm north-east welcome to some of the sports’ top names, we hope to build further on the momentum created by the event in 2021 as spectators come out in strength to watch and support local businesses along the way.”

Tour of Britain Sunderland

Photo: Sunderland will host the modern Tour of Britain for the first time ever this September (Patrick Routledge / Pixabay)

STAGE THREE
NORTH EAST AND SUNDERLAND
Tuesday 6 September

Councillor Graeme Miller | Sunderland City Council leader
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the UK’s most prestigious cycle race to our city for the very first time in September. The Tour of Britain is a hugely popular event and hosting the tour presents the perfect opportunity for showcasing our fabulous city. The sheer spectacle of over a 100 of the world’s best riders racing through our city will truly be a sight to behold. It promises to be a brilliant day out for residents and visitors alike and one which we hope people will flock to see.

“We’re also hoping that seeing elite riders in action will inspire more people to take to their bikes as part of our exciting programme of swim bike run activities in the coming years. This is all about encouraging more people to be get active and take advantage of our wonderful city, green spaces and fantastic coastline, not to mention all the physical and mental health benefits that being active brings with it.”

Photo: The Tour of Britain returns to North Yorkshire – home of sights such as Malham Cove – for the first time in over a decade (Tim Hill / Pixabay)

STAGE FOUR
REDCAR & CLEVELAND AND NORTH YORKSHIRE
Wednesday 7 September

Councillor Carl Les | North Yorkshire County Council leader
“We are delighted to once again welcome major competitive cycling to North Yorkshire. The route the race will take within the county is currently being finalised to provide a thrilling ride while maximising opportunities for people to enjoy the race.

 “As soon as the details are announced, I’m sure our communities will want to begin planning how they will welcome and celebrate the event and cycling fans across the county and beyond will be able to plan how they will watch.

“We will work closely with our partners and, with experience gathered through the management of major races over the best part of a decade, will play our part in ensuring the event runs smoothly to guarantee maximum enjoyment and minimum disruption to everyday life.”

Tour of Britain Gloucestershire

Photo: Gloucestershire is home to the Cotswolds, famed for breath-taking landscapes, and picture-perfect towns and villages (Adam Trevor Design / Pixabay)

STAGE SIX
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Friday 9 September

Cllr Mark Hawthorne | Gloucestershire County Council leader
“I am delighted that we have been able to secure stage six of the Tour of Britain for Gloucestershire. Events such as the tour are key to helping our economy thrive and showcase, to a significant international audience, all that Gloucestershire has to offer”

Tour of Britain Dorset

Photo: Dorset’s unmistakable sights will be showcased to a global TV audience (Roman Grac / Pixabay)

STAGE SEVEN
DORSET
Saturday 10 September

Councillor Ray Bryan | Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment
“I am delighted that we’re working with Tour of Britain to host the penultimate stage of their fantastic cycle race. Events such as these support our local economy by attracting visitors, providing entertainment for our residents and helping raise Dorset’s profile nationally. We will share details of what’s happening on our road network as the race approaches, and I look forward to cheering on all the competitors later in the year.”

Tour of Britain Isle of Wight

Photo: The Needles are one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions (credit: Visit Isle of Wight)

STAGE EIGHT
ISLE OF WIGHT
Sunday 11 September

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans | Cabinet member for regeneration and business development | Isle of Wight Council

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the stunning landscapes of the Island as a top class cycling and holiday destination, as well as providing a stern test for the riders in what will be a challenging finale.

“I hope our local communities and businesses embrace having this prestigious, high profile event on the Island and take full advantage of the array of opportunities it has to offer. It’s going to be a brilliant occasion — one we as a council are proud to be involved with.”

Councillor Michael Lilley | Mayor of Ryde

“As mayor, I am delighted to hear the great news that the Tour of Britain is starting on the Isle of Wight from Ryde.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our historic town’s economy and community. Ryde Town Council are committed to the Isle of Wight UNESCO Biosphere status and a strong green agenda. 

“Therefore, celebrating a major cycling event in our town will enable residents and tourists to embrace, enjoy and health-wise benefit cycling as a first choice of mode of transport for work, leisure and tourism.

“This will contribute to reduction of climate change and mental well-being. Ryde has so much to offer visitors to the with events throughout the year and the Tour of Britain will be a crowning glory to our event programme.”