Approximately 8,000 people are estimated to have turned out across Lincoln on Wednesday 2 September as Lloyds Tour of Britain Men came to the city for the first stage of this year's men’s race.
The streets of Lincoln were transformed as some of the world's best cyclists raced through the city and surrounding area, with spectators lining the route to cheer on the riders and soak up the atmosphere.
The Tour of Britain Tour Village in Lincoln Castle provided a hub of activity throughout the day, with visitors able to keep track of the race on the big screen, grab something to eat or drink from local traders, and take part in a host of free cycling-themed activities.
In addition, The Activity Zone was set-up in the Cornhill area of the city centre, offering visitors health and wellness-themed activities and games and a big screen to watch the race live.
The event also provided an opportunity to showcase Lincoln and Lincolnshire to a national and international audience, with the race broadcast live on to ITV4 and ITVX, on YouTube, and on TNT Sports, HBO Max, and across Europe via Warner Bros. Discovery’s Eurosport.
With 113.4 miles (182.5km) including 1,315m of ascent, over 100 riders started the race in historic uphill Lincoln’s Castle Square. Riders then headed out into the Lincolnshire Wolds and through Market Rasen and Caistor, before making their way past Waddingham and Ingham. They returned to Lincoln, after 120km of racing, for a challenging five-lap circuit that included a notoriously steep climb up Michaelgate and taking in the laps from the Lincoln Grand Prix. The race finished on Newport just before 3pm.
In the end, Lewis Askey from NSN Cycling Team came in first place, completing Stage 1 in 04:02:44.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “What a fantastic day for Lincolnshire. It was brilliant to see so many people come out to support the Tour of Britain and create such an incredible atmosphere right across the city and along the route.
“Bringing an event of this scale to Lincolnshire gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our county, our communities and our stunning landscapes to people watching from across the country and beyond.
“From the crowds lining the streets to the buzz around the Tour Village, it was clear just how much excitement there was for the race coming to Lincoln. I’d like to thank everyone who came along, volunteered, supported the event and helped make today such a success.
“Hosting the opening stage of the Tour of Britain has also provided a fantastic opportunity for Lincolnshire’s businesses and local economy. The race brought visitors into communities along the route, helping to showcase our hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops and other local businesses to people from across the country and beyond.
“We’re now looking forward to analysing the data over the coming weeks to better understand the impact that Stage 1 has had on the area and the benefits it has brought to local businesses and the wider economy. What is already clear is that the Tour gave us a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything Lincoln and Lincolnshire have to offer, encouraging visitors to discover more of our county and, we hope, return again in the future.
“And the excitement doesn’t stop here. Tomorrow Lloyds Tour of Britain Men heads to the coast for Stage 2, travelling from Boston to Skegness.
“This is another fantastic opportunity to put Lincolnshire firmly in the spotlight, and I’m looking forward to seeing communities across Boston, the Lincolnshire coast and Skegness getting behind the race and giving the riders another warm Lincolnshire welcome.”
Jonathan Day, Event Director at British Cycling Ventures, said: “It has been brilliant to bring the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to Lincolnshire, and we’ve had a great day of racing in Lincoln at stage one.
“Taking the Tour to Lincoln for the first time, a city synonymous with its love for cycling, has been special, and we look forward to stage two in Boston and Skegness on Thursday. On behalf of British Cycling Ventures, I would like to pay thanks to our partners who have enabled us to bring world class racing to their communities, spreading the joy of cycling along the route, and inspiring more people to get on a bike and live healthier lives.”
Communities get into the Tour spirit
Lloyds Tour of Britain Men also brought out the creativity and community spirit of people across Lincolnshire, with residents, businesses and organisations going the extra mile to welcome the race.
Lincoln spectators waved ‘It Starts Here’ flags and rang Lincolnshire cowbells as the riders passed, while communities along the route transformed their towns and villages with colourful decorations, flags and cycling-themed displays.
Caistor pulled out all the stops, with bunting, Lincolnshire flags and decorated bikes welcoming the race into the town. The historic Georgian marketplace was heavily decorated, businesses dressed their windows and residents took part in a competition for the best cycling-themed shop, home or garden display.
Children were also given whistles and hand-waving flags to cheer on the riders, while local businesses got behind the celebrations in their own creative ways. Sweetie Belles created a special Tour of Britain Lincolnshire sweet mix, while Harry and the Beagle produced Lincolnshire, British and cycling-themed cushions as part of its race-day display.
A team of volunteers helped clean and weed the route ahead of the event, while field artwork was created at strategic locations, including near Rothwell, close to one of the race’s King of the Mountains sections. Agricultural vehicles provided a special welcome as the race entered Caistor, while a group of Roman Centurions with a distinctly Lincolnshire twist helped greet the riders.
Four bands performed at prominent locations along the route and at Caistor Park, where spectators could also enjoy a street food market.
Elsewhere, Woodhall Spa was decorated with bunting and Lincolnshire flags, with local businesses joining in the celebrations, while Market Rasen embraced Lincolnshire’s famous Yellowbelly identity by decorating the town with yellow bikes and cycle-shirt bunting.
Six winners of Lincolnshire’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Men ‘Design A Bike’ competition had their art printed on decals and placed around the county, along with a fleet of repurposed bicycles painted Lincolnshire green by Siemens Energy and displayed at businesses and community venues ahead of the race (with help from Lindum Group).
Cllr Natalie Oliver added: “One of the really special things about bringing an event like the Tour of Britain to Lincolnshire has been seeing communities get behind it and make it their own.
“From towns and villages decorating their streets and businesses dressing their windows, to volunteers preparing the route and residents creating some truly imaginative displays, we've seen fantastic examples of local pride and creativity right across the county.
“Caistor in particular went all out, with decorated bikes, Lincolnshire flags, music, community competitions and even a group of Roman Centurions ready to welcome the riders. Woodhall Spa, Market Rasen and many other communities also found their own ways to celebrate and show their support.
“It’s exactly the kind of community spirit we hoped the Tour of Britain would inspire, and it’s been wonderful to see residents, businesses and organisations coming together to give the riders such a warm Lincolnshire welcome.”
Lloyds Tour of Britain Men continues on Thursday 3 September with Stage 2, which will take riders from Boston to Skegness.
For more information about Lloyds Tour of Britain Men in Lincolnshire, visit:
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/tourofbritain.