The OVO Energy Tour of Britain returns to Warwickshire on Friday for a potentially race-defining stage between Warwick and Burton Dassett Country Park.

Retracing much of a similar OVO Energy Women’s Tour stage in the county from June, the battle to be crowned the Tour’s 2019 champion could result in a fascinating contest between OVO Energy green jersey wearer Mathieu van der Poel (Corendon – Circus) and nearest challenger Matteo Trentin (Mitchelton-SCOTT) playing out during the three ascents of the short but steep climb through Burton Dassett Country Park.

Warwick Racecourse hosts the start at 11:00 ahead of 188 kilometres of racing.

PLEASE NOTE! Spectators planning on attending this stage finish should note that no spectator vehicle parking is available on the day at the country park or its surrounding roads. Fans can walk or cycle up the day’s finishing climb.

Johnsons Coaches, Warwickshire County Council and the British Motor Museum will put on a free park and ride shuttle service for the stage. Click here for more information.

Stage route and profile

Key timings

 Warwick Racecourse, Warwick (stage start): 11:00

 Berkswell (Eisberg sprint): 11:38

 Brinklow (Eisberg sprint): 13:07

 Friz Hill (SKODA King of the Mountains): 14:24

 Pillerton Priors (Eisberg sprint): 14:35

 Sun Rising Hill (SKODA King of the Mountains): 14:45

 Burton Dassett Country Park (SKODA King of the Mountains): 15:05

 Burton Dassett Country Park (SKODA King of the Mountains): 15:23

Burton Dassett Country Park (SKODA King of the Mountains and stage finish): 15:41

Click here to explore and download the full stage seven timetable

UK TV schedule

ITV4 will show the stage in full, presented by Matt Barbet and Yanto Barker, with pre-race coverage beginning at 10:45. Hour-long highlights will be shown at 20:00.

Eurosport Player (subscription service) will show the race live from 12:30 until its conclusion, with highlights on Eurosport 1 at 21:45.

Click here for more information and worldwide TV coverage details.

Weather forecast

Start – Warwick Racecourse: 15°C (feels like 15°C), 2% chance of rain

Finish – Burton Dassett Country Park: 18°C (feels like 18°C), 2% chance of rain

Jersey standings

Tour of Britain stage seven

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

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

Polish rider Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM Racing) won at Burton Dassett Country Park during the OVO Energy Women’s Tour in June, following a stage that replicated much of this stage’s route.

“The Burton Dassett climb itself is not super difficult but when you have to finish the stage at the top of it your perspective changes! There are so many factors that can make this climb harder: rain, wind or a lack of your team-mates around you. Being well positioned at the bottom of this climb is extremely important as it is narrow and pretty steep to begin.

“The finishing circuit laps are super entertaining! It is unpredictable, many riders have a chance to win and for the spectators it is very thrilling and interesting to watch.

“I launched my attack around 600m to go – I had been patiently waiting for the first move and then I just listened to my gut feelings when to counter-attack. But there is a chance that a solo rider, a small breakaway or even for a big bunch to battle it out for the stage win.

Downloads and links

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