Isle of Wight to host final stage of Tour of Britain cycling event

Cycling

Isle of Wight to host final stage of Tour of Britain cycling event

Isle of Wight to host final stage of Tour of Britain cycling event 2048 1365 Ford Farm House Bed & Breakfast - Isle of Wight Holidays

Isle-of-Wight-Council-Tour-of-Britain-lockup-logoThe Tour of Britain races to the Isle of Wight on Sunday 11th September 2022, starting from Ryde and finishing with an exhilarating climb for the title at the Needles Battery finish line.

Click here for FAQs

Promising an exciting sporting spectacle against a spectacular Island backdrop, it will be a culmination of racing for the teams who start in Aberdeenshire on September 4, making their way to the Isle of Wight for the eighth and final stage.

Over 100 of the world’s best road riders will push off from the seaside start line at Ryde mid-morning this September, the start of a gruelling 150km race across the Isle of Wight.

Passing through many of the Island’s charming villages and boutique towns, there are plenty of opportunities for spectators to catch the race roadside, as the pros do battle by bike around the Isle of Wight.

Spectators along the route can expect a buzzing bike-filled day, with an electric atmosphere, warm hospitality, and a community celebration of the race wherever you choose to watch.

Tour-of-Britain-2022-Isle-of-Wight-route-map-wide

The Isle of Wight’s unique landscape offers natural variation and challenges across the course and is often cited as one of the best cycling destinations in the world.

A particular highlight will be the steep spiralling hills in and out of Ventnor. Fast hairpin declines down to the beach and almost vertical corkscrew climbs back out of the town, often with gradients of 1 in 4, will see riders tested to their very limits and provide captivating viewing.

The approach to the finish line is 39km of hard cycling along the Military Road, a long scenic stretch on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, with views of white cliffs and out to the English Channel, often voted one of the most picturesque roads in Europe.

The big finale takes place at the National Trust’s Needles Old Battery, offering breathtaking views on all sides, and a sloping hillside to catch the end of the race.

Overlooking the world-famous-coloured cliffs of Alum Bay, riders face the ultimate hairpin climb to the chequered flags, high above the iconic Needles, the world-famous stacks of chalk rising from the sea off the Isle of Wight.

Taking every ounce of mental and physical strength they can muster after almost four hours of fast-paced cycling, the race could be won or lost in this final challenge on the way to the finish.

As well as concluding the Isle of Wight stage of the race, the Needles finish line concludes the 2022 Tour of Britain, deciding both the stage and overall winner.

Cycling

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said:

“I know that the Isle of Wight stage is going to be a spectacular and fitting finale to this year’s Tour of Britain. Working with our partners on the Island, we’ve designed a route that visits all the main towns, shows off its culture and history, and makes sure that the battle to be crowned our 2022 champion goes down to the wire.

“I’m already hearing stories of people booking their trips across the Solent for the stage – I have little doubt that, once race fans have seen how great the Isle of Wight is to ride a bike, it will become a go-to destination for cyclists of all ages and abilities!”

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, said:

“We’re so proud to be hosting the final of the country’s most prestigious cycle race event right here on the Isle of Wight.

“Wherever you are on the Island you won’t be far from the route, and hopefully, that will mean we have great crowds out to support some of the world’s top professional cyclists.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the stunning landscapes of the Island as a top-class cycling and holiday destination, as well as providing a stern test for the riders in what will be a challenging finale.”

All seven stages of the race can be watched on ITV4 in the UK and will be broadcast in more than 20 territories around the world.

With over 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways, and bridleways the Isle of Wight is already one of the top cycling destinations in the UK and attracts an abundance of cyclists every year. Visit Isle of Wight anticipate the Island’s Tour of Britain stage in September will draw even more bike riding enthusiasts to the Island – pre and post-event – looking to take on the epic route and explore the Isle of Wight on two wheels.

Ford Farm House bed and breakfast is a great place to stay for those who thrive on cycling.



Frequently Asked Questions

A list of FAQs has been produced and made available by the Island’s tourist board – Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) which can be found below. 

Where does the race start?

The race will officially start from Ryde Esplanade between 10:00 and 11:00 on Sunday 11th September. Set-up will be from 05:00 on the day and team buses and the riders will arrive between 08:00 and 09:00. The team buses will be based along North Walk, north of the canoe lake.

Where does the race finish?

The race will finish at approximately 15:00 on Sunday 11 September at the Needles New Battery. The race village for the finish will be at the Needles Landmark Attraction.

What time will the Tour of Britain race pass through my town/village? And from what time and until when will the road be closed?

If your business is situated along the route, there will be road closures altering travel for a small window of time while the race passes. This is known as a rolling road closure; this is needed to ensure the safety of the world-class athletes competing and spectators.

When will a list of timings and closures be made available to businesses?

The Isle of Wight Council are working with a traffic management company to identify all the areas affected and for how long. This information will be shared with affected businesses as soon as it is available.

When will a map of diversions away from the route be made available?

The traffic management company will identify all the areas affected and this information will be publicly available in August.

Will there be a shuttle bus service to and from the start and finish of the race for spectators?

This is being investigated and details will be shared as soon as they are available.

Will there be parking restrictions? For what period will cars need to be clear from the route?

There will be a requirement for the route to be clear of all cars. Affected residents and businesses will be contacted in due course.

How will the event affect Island businesses, will businesses be able to operate as usual?

Businesses along the main race route may be affected during the race. For most, this will be restricted access to your site due to road closures, as the competitors pass through your town or village.

VIOW anticipate this restricted access will only be for a short period of time, and a full list of timings will be shared once confirmed in full so that you are fully aware of when the peloton will approach, pass and when the roads will reopen.

VIOW would suggest informing guests/customers in advance that you will be allowed access to your business until a particular time on the day, with those inside your premises there as the race comes through. Usual coming and going will then resume once the race has passed and the road reopened.

With visitors and locals set to be out and about to watch the race, why not make the most of the opportunity and promote your business as a place to come and watch the peloton go by with a drink or bite to eat?

How many people are expected to be on the Island for the event?

VIOW know the race will attract national and global interest and they’re gearing up for an increase of visitors and cyclists to the Island. VIOW hope that upwards of 150k people will experience and enjoy the race on the Island.

How will this event affect cross-Solent travel to the Island? Will there be extra crossings in place to ensure commuters and visitors can make it across in good time?

VIOW are expecting an increase in crossings over the event weekend; this will be confirmed over the coming months.

Should I make my guests/customers aware this event is taking place, what should I tell them?

Absolutely, please spread the word that the Tour of Britain race is coming to the Isle of Wight this summer! It is the first time the iconic race has been hosted on the Island and the event will offer an amazing sporting spectacle for visitors and locals alike. Nineteen of the world’s top teams and over 100 pro riders race across the Island’s varied and picturesque landscape. Check out our top tips for spectators for more information on how your guests can best enjoy the race.

What support will be provided to my business to help make the most of the opportunity?

There are plenty of opportunities for local businesses, communities, accommodation providers and hospitality outlets to get involved, both on the day and in the build-up. Visit IOW is available to help you make the most of this special opportunity.

VIOW have a downloadable information pack available and will have posters and bunting available for you to display. Please email to request these.

I’m a vendor and interested in being positioned along the route. How can I get involved?

If vendors wish to position themselves at the start, finish or along the route they will need to submit the relevant documentation to the IWC licensing department. For more information please contact

Will there be an increase in cyclists on the Island over this weekend? How can I accommodate them?

VIOW know the race will attract national and global interest and with over 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways and bridleways, the Isle of Wight is already one of the top cycling destinations in the UK and attracts an abundance of cyclists every year.

VIOW anticipate the Island’s hosting of the prestigious Tour of Britain race will draw even more bike riding enthusiasts to the Island – pre and post-event – looking to take on the epic route and explore the Isle of Wight on two wheels.

Here are a few ways your business can become more cyclist-friendly:

 Provide information on how to travel to your premises by bike or sustainable transport
 Safe storage for bikes – this could be a designated or purpose-built storage shed or garage
 Information on the nearest bike shops (for repairs and spare parts etc.)
 Bike washing facilities
 Kit washing and drying facilities
 Provide a basic tool kit available for riders (including a pump and puncture repair kits)

Contact us at to share what you already have in place and request your ‘Wheel of Approval’ badge. VIOW also have a cyclist-friendly information pack should you wish a copy.

Will any marketing materials be provided to help promote and make the most of this event for my business?

VIOW will have Tour of Britain Stage 8 Isle of Wight posters available in a range of sizes.

VIOW will also have bunting to dress and decorate your business, as well as a Tour of Britain social media toolkit, that can be downloaded from Visit WightPro.

Make sure you follow The Tour and Visit IOW’s official media handles and official hashtags, as well as sign up for their newsletters so that you are up to date with all of the latest race announcements.

How can I get more involved in this event?

In the coming weeks, VIOW will share our Tour of Britain Stage 8 Isle of Wight guide for businesses and local communities. In this information booklet, you can find ideas and ways to embrace the race, show support, and maximise business opportunities around the event.

From decorating your local community, a decorated bike trail and window dressing, to hosting street parties and events, there are many ways to get involved in the build-up and on the day.

Where can I stay up to date with the latest in regard to event updates and information for businesses and residents?

Businesses can find all the latest Tour of Britain information on visitwightpro.com and the Isle of Wight Council’s designated event page here – https://www.iow.gov.uk/council/OtherServices/Tour-of-Britain/Event

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