Children and young people across Lincolnshire are being invited to celebrate the Lloyd's Tour of Britain by putting their creativity into gear as part of a new ‘Design a Bike’ competition.
Children and young people aged between 5 and 16 are encouraged to design a bike which represents their area and celebrates Lincolnshire. This could include local history, wildlife, landmarks, or community life.
Winning designs will then be brought to life as part of a trail around Lincoln, Boston and Skegness: the towns that will be hosting the starts and finishes of Stages 1 and 2 of this year's Lloyd's Tour of Britain Men's race on 2 and 3 September 2026.
Six ultimate winners will also receive vouchers to buy a bike from a local cycle shop.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "We're incredibly excited to be welcoming the Tour of Britain to Lincolnshire later this year!
"The race is the country's biggest free-to-view sporting event and provides a brilliant opportunity to showcase everything our county has to offer to a national audience.
“We want communities right across Lincolnshire to feel involved, and this competition encourages children and young people to celebrate the places, people and landscapes that make our county unique. From famous landmarks and local history to wildlife, coastlines and community life, entrants are being encouraged to showcase the very best of the county through their designs.
“Best of all, the winning entries won't just stay on paper. They’ll be transformed and will form part of a trail displayed across Lincolnshire in the run up to the Tour of Britain in September.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing the imagination and creativity that comes through in the entries, and I hope lots of schools, families and youth groups get involved."
Cllr Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism, said: “This is a great way to engage with young people ahead of the race. I’m looking forward to seeing the imaginative entries from our young residents as we count down to what promises to be a memorable day for Boston."
Cllr Adam Grist, East Lindsey District Council Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: "This competition is a fantastic way to get young people involved in the excitement surrounding the Tour of Britain. We want children from across the district to get creative, showcase their artistic talents and design a bike that reflects their personality, community or love of cycling."
Cllr Steve Kirk, East Lindsey Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, said: "The finish of Stage Two in Skegness will shine a national spotlight on East Lindsey, and the Design a Bike competition is a brilliant opportunity for young people to be part of that journey. This will encourage creativity while helping to build excitement ahead of this prestigious sporting event.”
How to enter
The competition is open to all children and young people in Lincolnshire aged 5 to 16.
To enter:
- Download and print the official bike template from www.visitlincolnshire.com/tourofbritain/competition
- Create a design inspired by Lincolnshire, whether its Lincoln Castle, the Wolds, the Cathedral or Boston’s St Botolph’s Church, birdwatching and the Maud Foster Windmill
Return entries either by email at TOB@e-lindsey.gov.uk or by dropping them off at participating libraries (Boston, Bourne, Gainsborough, Grantham, Horncastle, Lincoln, Long Sutton, Louth, Mablethorpe, Market Rasen, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding, Stamford and Woodhall Spa)
The closing date for entries is on Friday 7 August.
In addition to their design becoming part of the public trail displayed across Lincolnshire in the run up to and during the Tour of Britain, winners will also receive vouchers to spend at a local bike shop.
For more information about the Tour of Britain coming to Lincolnshire, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/tourofbritain.