Stage One
3 September 2023
Greater Manchester hosts the Tour of Britain Grand Départ in 2023, 19 years on from being the starting point for the first edition of the modern incarnation of the race.
The opening day of this year’s race will start in Altrincham, adjacent to its thriving market that is home to independent street food vendors aplenty. King of the Mountains climbs come at the legendary Rake in Ramsbottom (a three-time host of the British Hill-Climb Championships) and Grains Bar.
Stage one will culminate on the world-famous Deansgate in the heart of Manchester city centre, the scene of a memorable victory from recently-crowned world champion Mathieu van der Poel that saw him clinch overall Tour of Britain glory four years ago.
Altrincham – Market Street 11:45am
Wilmslow 12:17pm
Bramhall 12:28pm
Hazel Grove 12:33pm
High Lane 12:40pm
Marple 12:48pm
Grains Bar (category two) 1:31pm
Shaw 1:38pm
Ramsbottom Rake (category one) 2:12pm
Wigan 3:09pm
Hindley 3:14pm
Tyldesley 3:26pm
Walkden 3:35pm
Manchester – Deansgate 3:53pm
Click here for the full stage timetable
Host venue for the second time
Visit Altrincham, the modern market town.
The award-winning Altrincham Market and Market House, fantastic shops, a host of independent restaurants, pubs, bars, and brilliant events, come together to create a melting pot of culture for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks to investment from Trafford Council and its private and public sector partners, it was named one of the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live in the UK in 2022 for the fifth year running!
Ongoing investment and regeneration have ensured it remains a thriving modern market town with a rich retail, recreational, residential, and business mix.
Trafford itself has become a byword for sport. Last year Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground hosted the opening game in the UEFA Women’s Euros, as well as the men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cup finals. Lancashire Cricket Club recently hosted an Ashes test match, while the Manchester Marathon takes place predominantly in Trafford. Altrincham’s Planet Ice is the home venue for ice hockey team Manchester Storm.
But Trafford is much more than just a premier sporting venue. The borough boasts excellent parks and green spaces, thriving town centres, and major cultural and leisure attractions – including The Trafford Centre, Imperial War Museum North, and Dunham Massey National Trust country house. The borough also boasts a dedicated arts centre, theatre, and shopping destinations – making it a fantastic place to visit and live.
Host venue for the third time
Manchester is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities and is quickly becoming one of the most popular visitor destinations on the global scene.
Although its roots as an industrial pioneer is well-known, the city is always at the cutting edge of music, art, culture and – of course – football. Modern, contemporary and forward-thinking, Manchester is a veritable capital of the North.
The Tour of Britain Grand Départ will begin in the heart of Manchester. Here visitors will find the historic Deansgate, famed for its thriving foodie scene that steps seamlessly from fine-dining to casual eating at a moment’s notice.
Visit the architectural gems that include Manchester’s renowned neo-gothic Town Hall or Chetham’s medieval library – one of the oldest lending libraries in the world – before sampling some of the city’s infamous nightlife that has helped spawn some of the top names in arts, music and culture – from the Hacienda to the Hallé Orchestra.
Extend your time in the city with an enviable choice of hotels and more casual accommodation all a stone’s throw from the start line.
Make the most of your time in Manchester – the original modern city.
There’s no better way of watching the action at this year’s Tour of Britain than with our hospitality packages!
Secure a front-row seat at our stage starts and finishes, topped off with delicious food and drinks specifically chosen for cycling fans.
Fans can now book their hospitality passes for the Altrincham start and Manchester finish via Sportsbreaks.com, the official hospitality partner of the Tour of Britain.
Additionally, our expert team can build bespoke packages throughout the Tour to suit your needs. Contact Seb Roberts for more information.
