The Tour of Britain will become the biggest sporting event to ever take place in Harlow when the UK’s leading cycle race visits in September.
Stage six of the race, which attracts the world’s top riders and is broadcast worldwide in over 150 countries, will culminate in spectacular fashion along Third Avenue on Friday 8 September.
Harlow has never previously welcomed the Tour of Britain, but did host a stage of its sister race – the Women’s Tour – in June 2022. Dutch star Lorena Wiebes, the world’s fastest female sprinter, claimed an unforgettable victory that day in front of a packed crowd.
Since its return in 2004, the Tour of Britain has become a cornerstone of the UK sporting calendar. Over 15 million people have watched the event in person, with the race generating over £330m for the UK economy to date.
Full details of stage six – including the start location, route and timetable – will be announced in due course.
“We continue to aim high when it comes to hosting events and helping to put Harlow back on the world stage.”
Andrew Bramidge, Chief Executive of Harlow Council, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Harlow will host its biggest ever sporting event when the Tour of Britain comes to town for the first time ever on Friday 8 September.
“Securing this prestigious event follows the town hosting the start and finish of stage two of the Women’s Tour last year. The Women’s Tour was a fantastic day, which created many great memories for schoolchildren, spectators, local cycling fans, organisations and the riders, and it showed that Harlow can successfully host these types of events.
“We continue to aim high when it comes to hosting events and helping to put Harlow back on the world stage. The Tour of Britain attracts the world’s top riders and worldwide coverage, and it will be a historic and proud moment for our town. We will work closely with the organisers to ensure as many residents, schools, organisations, and businesses benefit from Harlow hosting this event.”
Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said:
“The Tour of Britain’s visit to Harlow is going to be one of the most unforgettable days in the town’s history to date! It’s not every day that a world-class, free-to-watch sporting event comes to town, so make sure to join us on Friday 8 September!
“Having worked with Harlow Council last year to deliver a fine stage of the Women’s Tour cycle race in the town, I’m thrilled that we’re able to team up once again in 2023 and help create more lasting memories for local people.”
The Tour of Britain 2023 will begin in Greater Manchester on Sunday 3 September and culminate eight stages later in South Wales (Sunday 10 September). Along the way the riders will race through Wrexham, East Riding of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Suffolk, creating an unforgettable sporting spectacle that is free for all to watch.
More details of this year’s race, including full stage routes and competing teams, will be announced in the coming weeks.
ITV4 will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage, as well as a nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch the action unfold wherever they are.