The 2026 Tour of Britain route has been confirmed, with five stages covering 910.3km across England and Scotland.

British Cycling revealed the full stage details on Wednesday for the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men. The race starts on Wednesday 2 September and finishes on Sunday 6 September.

The course totals 565 miles and includes 8,814 metres of climbing. It begins in Lincoln and travels through Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the Scottish Borders.

The route takes riders from Michaelgate in Lincoln to the Lammermuir Hills in southern Scotland. It also passes through the Yorkshire Dales, where the race’s hardest stage is expected.

Jonathan Day, Director of Events for British Cycling Ventures, said the route gives riders “unique challenges”. He also said it showcases Britain’s coastline, countryside and notable categorised climbs.

2026 Tour of Britain route opens in Lincoln

Lincoln will host Britain’s biggest professional men’s cycle race for the first time. Stage one covers 187.6km and gives the city a major role in the race.

The stage starts on Michaelgate before heading into the Lincolnshire Wolds. Riders then pass through Market Rasen and continue north to Caistor in West Lindsey.

The course turns west through Waddingham, then heads south towards Lincoln via Ingham. Once back in the city, the peloton will already have raced 120km.

The finale uses the famous Lincoln Grand Prix circuit. Riders will climb Michaelgate five times, with its 11.3% average gradient.

The Lincoln Grand Prix circuit forms part of the Lloyds National Road Series. Its repeated climbs should create a demanding and popular opening finish.

Boston to Skegness brings coastal sprint chance

Stage two begins further south in Boston. The route initially heads north past Coningsby, the wartime base of 617 Squadron.

The squadron became known as the “Dambusters” for the Second World War bouncing bomb raid. The race then passes Woodhall Spa, Horncastle and Wragby.

The peloton returns east into the Lincolnshire Wolds. The route crosses part of stage one at Binbrook before continuing towards Louth.

Riders then reach the North Sea coast. They race through Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea before taking on a climb near Langton Hill.

The stage drops towards Skegness for a sprint finish. That finale should offer one clear opportunity for fast finishers.

Hull start leads to uphill Beverley finish

The race moves north of the Humber on stage three. Riders depart Hull and follow England’s east coast through Withernsea.

The course continues to Hornsea and Skipsea before turning inland towards Burton Agnes. A series of climbs follows on the road to Driffield.

After descending into Wetwang, the peloton reaches Beverley. There, riders will complete four laps of a 16km finishing circuit.

The finish line sits at the top of a testing uphill drag to the racecourse. That closing stretch could reward puncheurs and aggressive teams.

Yorkshire Dales stage set to shape overall race

Stage four is the toughest day of the 2026 race by climbing total. It features 2,459 metres of ascent across North Yorkshire.

The stage starts in Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park. The course then runs through Easingwold, Boroughbridge and Ripon.

After Ripon, the route enters the Yorkshire Dales National Park. From Pateley Bridge, riders climb Greenhow Bank, a 4km ascent averaging 7.2%.

The course then heads west towards Grassington and Wharfedale. It turns north to Buckden before the most decisive section arrives.

Between Cray and the finish in Leyburn, the peloton crosses roads familiar from the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ. The scenery also brings serious climbing.

Riders tackle Kidstones, which measures 2.9km at 6.3% and reaches 12.6%. They then pass Aysgarth Falls before more climbs arrive.

Greets Moss follows at 4.4km and 6.9%. Grinton Moor adds another 4.4km at 5.3% before the Leyburn finish.

With that profile, stage four is likely to influence the final General Classification. It offers the race’s clearest test for overall contenders.

Earlston debut closes the race in Scotland

The final stage takes the Tour of Britain into southern Scotland. Earlston, in Berwickshire, makes its debut appearance as a race host.

The route heads east through Smailholm towards Kelso. It then turns north to visit Hume, Greenlaw and Duns.

The peloton then faces the Lammermuir Hills. Riders pass Whiteadder Water before climbing to Redstone Rig and Duddy Bank.

The course returns to Earlston for the final finish. Riders will complete two circuits of a 19km lap before the winner is decided.

British Cycling said more information on the stages and host venues is available through its official channels.

For additional reporting, see www.cyclingweekly.com.