Sunderland will play a starring role when the Tour of Britain, the UK’s most prestigious cycle race, heads there for the first time in 2022.

The historic North East city will host the finish of stage three on Tuesday 6 September, as the eight-day event works its way down from Aberdeenshire to the Isle of Wight.

Over 100 of the world’s best riders will compete in the 18th edition of the race, with a large crowd comprising both local residents and cycling fans expected to turn out for this unforgettable, free-to-watch spectacle.

Video: Relive the Tour Series’ visit to Sunderland in August 2021
About Sunderland

While it may be the modern race’s first visit to Sunderland, the city welcomed the Milk Race – a semi-professional forerunner of the Tour of Britain – on multiple occasions during its 35-year history. It also hosted a round of the Tour Series, Britain’s leading domestic cycle race series, in August 2021 on a circuit centered around the historic Mowbray Park.

The full route for stage three, including the start venue and finish location, will be revealed in due course.

Quotes

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “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.”