Britain will host some of the world’s best women riders when the inaugural edition of The Women’s Tour rolls out of Northamptonshire next year, after the UCI awarded it the prestigious 2.1 status – the same category as the men’s Tour of Britain.
Scheduled from Wednesday May 7 to Sunday May 11, 2013, the decision means the Tour has been granted the highest category awarded to any international women’s event.
And with Britain’s Olympic heroines already set to compete in the race, Guy Elliott, director of organisers SweetSpot, cannot wait for its debut.
“We are absolutely delighted that the UCI have awarded us 2.1 status for this exciting new event,” he said.
The first stage, including the Grand Depart, will take place entirely in Northamptonshire with details of the exact route and remaining stages to be confirmed in the near future.
Of the first stage, he added: “The stage will be a challenging test for all riders on a beautiful and challenging route for the opening day of the race, with plans to pass through many of the county’s town and villages.
“We are particularly pleased about Northamptonshire’s plans to use the event to promote women’s sport in its widest context to young people.”
Councillor Heather Smith, deputy leader for Northamptonshire County Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Northamptonshire and I am very pleased that we will be hosting the first stage of this prestigious event.
“Not only will the Women’s Tour being significant economic benefits to the county, it is also a real opportunity to promote cycling and women’s sport locally.
“This will be a very exciting event for Northamptonshire and will herald the start of a summer of sporting events across the whole county that everyone can look forward to.”
RoadCyclingUK will bring you further news on The Women’s Tour as and when it is announced.
