The 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain champion will be crowned on Saturday as the race visits Greater Manchester for a fitting finale that takes in all 10 boroughs.

Mathieu van der Poel is in prime position to become the second Dutchman in three years to win Britain’s most prestigious cycle race; Manchester’s famous Deansgate is where the 16th champion of the modern Tour will be crowned after a 166-kilometre stage.

Before then, the riders will roll out from the historic market town of Altrincham during a stage that also includes an ascent of Ramsbottom Rake, one of the most iconic climbs in Britain.

Stage route and profile

Key timings

 Market Street, Altrincham (stage start): 11:00

 Hazel Grove (Eisberg sprint): 11:48

 Werneth Low (SKODA King of the Mountains): 12:11

 Uppermill (Eisberg sprint): 12:38

 Grains Bar (SKODA King of the Mountains): 12:47

 The Rake (SKODA King of the Mountains): 13:29

 Horwich (Eisberg sprint): 14:10

 Deansgate, Manchester (stage finish): 15:12

Click here to explore and download the full stage eight timetable

Weather forecast

Start – Altrincham: 15°C (feels like 15°C), 1% chance of rain

Finish – Manchester Deansgate: 20°C (feels like 21°C), 2% chance of rain

Jersey standings

Mathieu van der Poel Tour of Britain stage eight

OVO Energy green jersey: Mathieu van der Poel (Corendon – Circus)

Cetaphil points jersey: Matteo Trentin (Mitchelton-SCOTT)

SKODA King of the Mountains jersey: Jake Scott (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling)

Eisberg sprints jersey: Rory Townsend (Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes)

Instant Expert

Phil Jones MBE, managing director of Brother UK, is a keen cyclist and rode the entire 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain route to raise money and awareness for the Dave Rayner Fund.

“Stage eight promises to have something for everyone, with a combination of flat Cheshire lanes and grippy Lancashire roads with the race visiting all 10 of Greater Manchester Boroughs, including the home of Brother UK in Tameside. 

“Rolling out of Altrincham, it will head out on familiar training routes for many UK pros – and myself – with some punchy climbs and rolling roads.  Expect one or two of the top UK riders to make the break and have a good go at taking the stage with a long effort.

“My expectation is that it should all come back together for a bunch sprint on Deansgate with one of the top-name sprinters winning the day.”

Downloads and links

Click here to visit the stage eight hub | Click here to explore the stage eight timetable