Tour of Britain Women races through Greater Manchester in final stage of international cycling event
09.06.2024 - 15:11
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The final stage of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women cycling race got under way in Greater Manchester this morning (June 9). The major international race is being hosted in city-region with the biggest names in women's cycling taking part in the event.
The 99 km-long route, featuring 1,615m of elevation, will go from the National Cycling Centre in Eastlands to Leigh. The race started at 11.15am, crossing the Ashton Canal and going through the likes of Oldham, Delph, Shaw, Rochdale and Horwich.
At 2.72km long with an average gradient of 5.5 per cent, the Delph to Grains Bar climb features 23km into the route and lies among the Pennines. Riders then face a fast descent through Edenfield before taking on the formidable 'Ramsbottom Rake'.
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While less than a kilometre in length, the Ramsbottom Rake has a steep average gradient of 9.9 per cent. The peloton later passes the picturesque Wayoh and Entwistle Reservoirs in Edgworth before facing a series of ‘punchy ‘ickers’ from Dimple.
The day’s intermediate sprint segment is along Lee Lane in Horwich with 24km of the race remaining. A fast, flat run into Leigh will set the stage for what is expected to be a spectacular finish to the race where spectators will see the winner crowned.
There are a number of road closures in place in the city centre, Oldham, Bury, Rochdale, Bolton and Wigan due to the event today (June 9). Closures will only be in place during the race, with each road reopening once the last riders have come through.
Speaking ahead of the event, Tour of Britain race director Rod Ellingworth said: “I am incredibly proud of the collective efforts of everyone involved to allow us to be in