The 2024 Tour of Britain is set to deliver a spectacular week of world-class cycling, weaving its way from the dramatic landscapes of Scotland to the challenging climbs of southern England. This year's edition promises to be one of the most open and exciting in recent memory.
A Grand Depart in Glasgow
The race kicks off on Sunday, September 1st, with a prestigious start in Glasgow. The city, still buzzing from its cycling successes, will host the opening stage, setting the tone for eight days of intense racing.
The 2024 Route: A True Test
Riders will face a meticulously designed route that caters to both powerful sprinters and cunning climbers. The stages are brilliantly varied:
- Stage 1: Glasgow to Scottish Borders (Sun, Sept 1)
- Stage 2: Hawick to Dalbeattie (Mon, Sept 2)
- Stage 3: Carlisle to Hartside (Tue, Sept 3)
- Stage 4: Ribble Valley to Leigh (Wed, Sept 4)
- Stage 5: Wrexham to Buckley (Thu, Sept 5)
- Stage 6: Tewkesbury to Gloucester (Fri, Sept 6)
- Stage 7: Dorset to Devon (Sat, Sept 7)
- Stage 8: Finale in the South East (Sun, Sept 8)
The penultimate stage through Dorset and Devon is already being touted as the 'queen stage', featuring brutal climbs that will likely decide the overall winner.
Geraint Thomas: The Home Hope
All eyes will be on Welshman and cycling superstar Geraint Thomas. Fresh from his Grand Tour exploits, the Ineos Grenadiers rider will be a formidable favourite. His time-trialling prowess and experience on brutal climbs make him perfectly suited for this year's parcours. The British public will be roaring him on to a historic victory on home roads.
Who Else to Watch?
Thomas won't have it all his own way. He will face stiff competition from a host of WorldTour talent and hungry domestic pros. Look out for explosive puncheurs who can handle the short, sharp hills and powerful rouleurs who can force splits on the exposed roads. The fight for the iconic winner's jersey will be fierce from start to finish.
How to Follow the Action
Fans can catch every moment of the drama. The race will be broadcast live on ITV4 and across the BBC's digital platforms, offering comprehensive daily coverage, highlights, and expert analysis. For those wanting to experience the electric atmosphere firsthand, details of the stage start and finish locations are available on the official Tour of Britain website.
This year's Tour is perfectly positioned as a crucial warm-up for the World Championships, ensuring a top-quality field ready to battle for glory on Britain's most famous roads.
