Cycling

British Cycling Stars Set for Tour of Britain Women

Aug 12, 2026, 3:09 PM

The upcoming Tour of Britain Women (ToB) will showcase a formidable lineup of British cycling talent, featuring prominent national and world champions alongside emerging Grand Tour prospects. This highly anticipated event will also draw in young, promising athletes from various WorldTour teams, creating a diverse and competitive field.

Among the top competitors are several international stars, including Lorena Wiebes of SDWorx-Protime, a two-time stage winner and recent green jersey recipient at the Tour de France Femmes. Paula Blasi, the Vuelta Femenina champion from UAE L'Imad, and Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon-SRAM, a notable GC contender at the Tour de France Femmes, are also expected to make a significant impact.

Emerging British Talent Dominates Tour of Britain Women Lineup

The Tour of Britain Women will highlight an impressive roster of British cyclists, spearheaded by sisters Zoe and Elynor Bäckstedt. Zoe, representing Canyon-SRAM, holds the titles of reigning national road and time trial champion, as well as the U23 time trial world champion. Her sister, Elynor, a crucial team rider for UAE L'Imad, also secured a podium finish at this year's National TT. Their participation underscores the depth of talent within British cycling.

Adding to the star-studded British contingent are Giro d'Italia revelation Lauren Dickson of FDJ United-SUEZ, who impressed with an 11th-place finish in the GC while supporting her team leader Demi Vollering. After recovering from a collarbone injury sustained at the Tour de Suisse, Dickson is poised for her return to competitive racing at the ToB. The lineup further includes national road champions Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic PostNL), Millie Couzens (Fenix-Premier Tech), and Alice Towers, who will be riding for the Great Britain Cycling Team. Recent Commonwealth Games medallists Jess Roberts and Anna Morris, both members of the bronze medal-winning team pursuit squad, will also join the GBCT, alongside promising young riders Amalie Cooper, Ruby Oakes, and Rebecca Gardiner.

Key Competitors and Race Overview

The WorldTour-ranked Tour of Britain Women is set to commence in Cockermouth, Cumbria, with a challenging five-stage journey. The route will traverse south through England, featuring finishes in Blackpool, Great Orme, and Hay-on-Wye, before concluding with a final stage centered around Leamington Spa. This varied course is designed to test the versatility and endurance of the riders.

Beyond the strong British presence, the event will see top international athletes competing for glory. Lorena Wiebes, celebrated for her sprinting prowess and two stage wins at the Tour de France Femmes, is a formidable contender. Paula Blasi, fresh off her victory at the Vuelta Femenina, and Kasia Niewiadoma, a consistent performer in Grand Tour general classifications, are also expected to challenge for overall victory. The combination of established champions and rising stars from both domestic and international circuits promises an exciting and highly competitive race, offering thrilling moments for cycling enthusiasts.

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