Cycling: Route revealed for region's first visit of Women's Tour of Britain
Last updated 1st May 2025
The Scottish Borders is gearing up for a tourism boost after the route for the Women's Tour of Britain cycling race was unveiled.
From a lap of Floors Castle to two climbs round the Eildon Hills, the 89.4 mile spectator-friendly race passes some of the region's best known attractions - including the abbeys at Melrose, Kelso and Jedburgh, as well as historic homes Mellerstain House and Smailholm Tower.
It's the first time the event has ever been to Scotland and follows the success of the Men's event, which last year is estimated to have help generate around £2.48million for the local economy
The penultimate stage of this year's race will start and finish in Kelso on Saturday, June the 7th.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said: “Yet again we have a fantastic route which will showcase the Scottish Borders to an international audience and challenge the very best cyclists in the world.
“Kelso town centre will be buzzing throughout the day on Saturday 7 June, but we’ll also be putting on activities and entertainment in Melrose and there will be brilliant opportunities all around the route to see the race, including multiple times in some locations.
“The South of Scotland is a UCI Bike Region and we are incredibly proud to be the first area in Scotland to host a UCI WorldTour event.”
Following the Scottish Borders stage the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women concludes in Glasgow on Sunday, June 8th, where the successor to 2024 champion Lotte Kopecky will be crowned, after a circuit race, starting and finishing on Glasgow Green.
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is a spectacular showcase for some of Scotland’s stunning landscapes and one of its most dynamic cities.
"From the historic charm of Kelso and the dramatic Eildon Hills to the iconic River Clyde and vibrant streets of Glasgow, riders and spectators will experience a memorable journey through some of Scotland’s rich scenery and distinctive urban character.
“As well as providing great entertainment, events like this play a key role in Scotland’s year-round visitor economy by supporting businesses, sustaining communities, and reinforcing our position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
Commenting on the line-up of teams, Jonathan Day, Managing Director of British Cycling Events, said: “The announcement of the detailed stage routes marks another waypoint in the build-up to this year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, and one that allows both spectators travelling to the race and the communities lining the stages to start planning their day and how and where they will watch the race.
“With the fantastic, world-class line-up of teams that will be racing and the varied terrain across the four stages, fans can look forward to some great action every day, and a very worthy champion being crowned in Glasgow. What is more, those joining us in Glasgow will have the extra special opportunity through the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival to celebrate the joy of cycling with us and to get on their bikes and ride the circuit first hand after the race.”
For more details on the event, visit here.
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