The Tour of Britain 2025 Kicks Off

The Tour of Britain 2025 Kicks Off

The excitement is palpable as the 2025 Tour of Britain gets underway today, Tuesday 2 September, signalling a thrilling week of elite road cycling across the UK. This six-day adventure, running until Sunday 7 September, promises drama, emotion, and world-class racing.

A Route Packed with Variety

The race begins in East Suffolk and journeys westwards through England before concluding with a dramatic finale in Cardiff. The full stage breakdown:

  • Stage 1 (2 Sept): Woodbridge → Southwold (approx. 161 km)

  • Stage 2 (3 Sept): Stowmarket → Stowmarket (169 km)

  • Stage 3 (4 Sept): Milton Keynes → Ampthill (123 km)

  • Stage 4 (5 Sept): Atherstone → Burton Dassett Hills Country Park (187 km)

  • Stage 5 (6 Sept): Pontypool → The Tumble (134 km)

  • Stage 6 (7 Sept): Newport → Cardiff (112 km)

Over the course of 886 km, the terrain transitions from flatter openings to demanding climbs in South Wales, setting the stage for climbers and punchy riders to shine.

A Storied Farewell: Geraint Thomas

One of the most poignant storylines is Geraint Thomas riding his final professional race. The Welsh champion, whose glittering career includes a 2018 Tour de France title and two Olympic golds, will don a special jersey adorned with a Welsh dragon and artwork by his son in a final tribute. The race concludes in his home city of Cardiff, where a celebratory event at Cardiff Castle awaits.

Stars Assembled: Watch-List Highlights

This year’s edition boasts a stellar roster:

  • Remco Evenepoel returns from injury for what may be one of his final outings with Soudal–QuickStep.

  • Oscar Onley, fresh off a breakthrough Tour de France, is competing and bidding for overall honours.

  • Promising Brit Matthew Brennan, a prolific winner this season, is targeting sprint glory alongside teammate Olav Kooij.

  • Julian Alaphilippe, among other top names, is also on the start list.

  • A strong field is assured: nine UCI WorldTeams – including UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Lidl-Trek, Ineos Grenadiers, and Visma-Lease a Bike – plus ProTeams, a Continental team, and the British national squad.

How to Watch

Cycling fans in the UK can watch all stages live and free on ITV4, ITVX, or via YouTube. Highlights will also be available nightly. TNT Sports and Discovery+ offer premium coverage for subscribers.

  • UK: ITV4, ITVX, YouTube (free); TNT Sports / Discovery+ (paid)

  • International: In the US, HBO Max carries live coverage; other viewers may access streams via ESPN3 or local providers.

The Tour of Britain is a critical stop in the cycling calendar. It offers riders real competition in advance of the UCI World Championships in Kigali later this month, making it both a battleground and a proving ground. This year’s edition returns under the stewardship of British Cycling following organisational restructuring, reaffirming its importance for the sport in the UK.

As the peloton sets off from Suffolk today, the 2025 Tour of Britain stands as a fitting tribute to one of cycling’s finest, Geraint Thomas, as well as a showcase for new stars like Onley and Brennan. With challenging routes, media access, and a field stacked with talent, it promises a captivating week ahead. Expect excitement, tears, and unforgettable moments as the Tour unfolds.

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