The ultimate spectator’s guide
Some of the world’s top cyclists will ride out from Lincoln on Wednesday 2 September 2026 – here’s all you need to know to catch the action.
Please note that timings on this page are indicative and subject to change on the day – make sure you’re at your chosen viewpoint within plenty of time!
Before the race
There is lots for fans to see and do before the race starts at 10.30am!
From 9am, you can soak in the pre-race atmosphere by watching the teams warm-up in Minster Yard. After that, head to Castle Hill at 9.45am for the team presentations.
You might even snag a selfie with some of the racers near the team buses before warm-ups start!
The start – Lincoln
At 10.30am you can watch the peloton ride out from Castle Hill in the very heart of Lincoln’s historic uphill area between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral.
The riders will then head down Bailgate and Newport, before turning right at Lincoln Bishop University onto Longdales Road.
This is what is called a neutralised start and the riders will be going at a slightly slower pace, giving you the chance to see every rider clearly, including the biggest names in the race, before they head off at racing speed.
The racing really gets going on Wragby Road as the peloton leaves the city towards Sudbrooke (10.49am), Langworth (10.52am), and Holton cum Beckering (11.04am).
The Tour Village and Activity Zone
If you have seen the riders set off in Lincoln and don’t plan on trying to follow them into the Lincolnshire countryside, there’s plenty to see and do in Lincoln before the race comes back into the city.
In The Tour Village in Lincoln Castle, you can keep track of the race on the big screen, grab something to eat or drink from a selection of local traders, or take part in a whole host of free cycling-themed activities.
The Tour Village will open at 9am and is the place to soak up all the atmosphere from inside one of the country's most iconic historic settings.
If you'd like to explore Lincoln Castle's attractions, including the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta Vault, admission tickets will be available as usual.
Down in the Cornhill area of the city centre, The Activity Zone will have even more free cycling-themed fun and is the perfect starting point if you’re arriving by public transport or parking downhill near the bus and train station, or if you plan to watch the riders gear up for the infamous Michaelgate Climb.
Market Rasen and the Wolds
On their way to the Wolds, the riders will pass through Lissington (11.07am) and Market Rasen (11.15am).
Once inside the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, the peloton will pass through North Willingham (11.24am), before taking on their first big climb up Willingham Hill (11.26am) towards Ludford (11.29am).
They will then follow the area’s rolling hills through Binbrook (11.46am), Swinhope (11.49am), Thorganby (11.54am), Thoresway (12.02pm) and Rothwell (12.06pm), before another steep climb out of the village on Caistor Road.
Caistor back to Lincoln
Just outside the Lincolnshire Wolds, the riders will then pass through Caistor (12.11pm), North Kelsey Moor (12.20pm), Moortown (12.26pm), South Kelsey (12.31pm), Waddingham (12.41pm), Hemswell (12.57pm), Stow (1.18pm), Sturton-by-Stow (1.21pm) and Burton-by-Lincoln (1.38pm) where they begin five loops of Lincoln.
Michaelgate and the five loops
From around 1.45pm the riders will re-enter the city from the A57 and Long Leys Road, coming down Yarborough Hill onto West Parade and then racing along Motherby Lane and Hungate to tackle Michaelgate.
Michaelgate is legendary in cycling folklore. This cobbled climb is relatively short but brutally steep, and the uneven surface only adds to the challenge. The riders will tackle this hill five times during the race, with the first climb expected to start at around 1.50pm.
Former professional cyclist Russ Downing, who is no stranger to the gruelling climb, said the atmosphere and the noise of the crowds on Michaelgate really help to carry the riders up the hill, so bring your cowbells and get ready to cheer as loud as you can.
The loop – which spectators familiar with the Lincoln Grand Prix will recognise – then takes the riders through Castle Hill, along Bailgate and Newport to Yarborough Crescent, and down Burton Road to Burton-by-Lincoln. They will travel through the village back to the A57 and return to the city again.
Each loop will take approximately 18 minutes, so you won’t be waiting long if you decide to stay at your chosen viewing spot, or you’ll have just enough time to move to another spot and see the race in different locations.
The finish
After passing through Castle Hill for the fifth time, the riders will sprint to the finish on Newport, expected around 3pm.
After crossing the line, the riders will then take Yarborough Crescent again and turn left onto Burton Road to come back through Lincoln Castle via the West Gate (from Union Road) to Castle Hill where the winners’ presentation will take place.
The full route and times
Plan where you want to watch on the day; the full route and estimated timings are available on our website
Please note that all times are approximate and purely dependent on the race speed and weather.
Getting here and parking
The free Citymapper app can help you plan your journey to Lincoln by bus or train, or to your chosen viewing spots by walking or cycling. Visit
If you arrive by bus or train, the Activity Zone is right on the doorstep for your first taste of the action, and then you’re a short walk to Motherby Lane and Hungate to see the riders gearing up for Michaelgate.
Parking is available at Lincoln Central car park, Lucy Tower Street car park, Tentercroft Street car park, Yarborough Leisure Centre and at Lincoln Bishop University.
Car parks on Westgate will be closed and The Lawn car park will be reserved for local residents and Bailgate businesses.
If you’re unfamiliar with Lincoln, allow extra time to move between the downhill city centre and the uphill Castle/Cathedral area. The Walk & Ride shuttle is also available for easy access up and down the hill (this service will not be running from 12.50pm to 3.30pm).
Why not make use of the Lincoln park and ride? Park in one of the designated bays in Waitrose car park on Searby Road, and then catch the bus into town, with services running every 15 minutes.
You can find details of all road closures in place on the day on our website.
Want more Tour of Britain action?
Lincolnshire is lucky enough to be hosting both Stage One and Stage Two of the 2026 Lloyd’s Tour of Britain Men’s race.
For more cycling action, head to Boston for the Stage Two start on Thursday 3 September, or see the seaside finish at Skegness. Find out more about Stage Two at www.boston.gov.uk or www.e-lindsey.gov.uk.