WATCH: Tour of Britain rolls into the Scottish Borders
Last updated 6th Sep 2026
Some of the world's best cyclists are in the Scottish Borders - for the largest free-to-attend sporting spectacle in the UK.
The final leg of this year's Tour of Britain gets underway in Earlston at 11am this morning (Sunday), with riders due to return for the final sprint for the finish around 3pm.
More than 100 riders are taking on the 156.1km route, although young Scottish cyclist Elliot Rowe appeared to set off late.
Motorists are being reminded: rolling road closures will be operating throughout the region.
WATCH: Click on the link below to watch the live stream of the race...
The stage begins by heading towards Smailholm before continuing towards Kelso, turning off just before the town to pass through Hume, Greenlaw, Charterhall and Duns.
The peloton will then face one of the toughest sections of the race in the Lammermuir Hills, passing Whiteadder Reservoir before climbing Redstone Rig and Duddy Bank.
After descending into Greenlaw and continuing to Gordon, the race returns to Earlston, where riders will complete two laps of a 19-kilometre circuit taking in Smailholm before the finish.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said: “This is our first time hosting the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men and, with stage winners from this year’s Tour de France expected to be competing, it will be an incredible day of racing action and a fantastic spectacle for residents and visitors which should not to be missed.
“With thousands of people expected in Earlston throughout the day for the Tour of Britain it is fantastic that we’re also able to host the Tour de France Grand Départ trophy and help people learn more about next year’s Tour de France in the Scottish Borders."
Spectator parking in Earlston will be available at Earlston Rugby Club and Borders Pet Rescue’s Bramble’s Field, both located just off the A68. Both are £5/car. Spectators are requested not to park within residential areas of Earlston to avoid congestion and impact on local residents.
Recent editions of the Tour of Britain Men have attracted some of the top professional cycling teams and riders, including world and Olympic champions across a range of disciplines, such as Wout Van Aert, Remco Evenepoel, Tom Pidcock and Julian Alaphilippe.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/