The detailed routes for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women’s first visit to Scotland this summer have today been announced.
These fantastic two stages will decide the outcome of the tenth edition of the UCI Women’s WorldTour event.
Riders will first tackle a testing, hilly route through the Scottish Borders on Saturday 7 June, starting and finishing in Kelso and including five categorised Queen of the Mountains climbs, before Sunday 8 June sees an action-packed circuit race in the heart of Glasgow, to decide the overall winner.
Once the successor to Lotte Kopecky as Lloyds Tour of Britain Women champion has been crowned on Glasgow Green, the streets will be handed over to the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival building on Glasgow’s cycling legacy and providing the opportunity for everyone to cycle on the same traffic free route as the professionals, completely free of charge.
About stage three
Starting and finishing in The Square in Kelso, stage three will feature a testing and spectator friendly route, similar to that raced on by the men in 2024, covering 143.8-kilometre (89.4 miles).
After an 11am start, the route heads north west from Kelso to pass by Mellerstain House, then via Smailholm to the first of two ascents of the Queen of the Mountains climb at Scott’s View, averaging 2.5% over 2.5 kilometres.
Dropping under the Leaderfoot viaduct, riders will then cross the River Tweed and race through Melrose to tackle the Dingleton climb, averaging over 6% across 2.5 kilometres, in the shadow of the Eildon Hills.
Heading south via Denholm, the race climbs Dunion Hill (three kilometres at 5.4%) and descends into Jedburgh before returning to Kelso alongside the River Tweed, with the finish line on the cobbled market square hosting the intermediate sprint.
The stage then circles the grounds of Floors Castle to take a more direct route to the second ascent of Scott’s View, repeating the climb of Dingleton, the last categorised climb of the 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, ten kilometres later.
That will set up a frantic final 15 kilometres back to Kelso, via St Boswells and alongside the Tweed, for the usual approach to the finish in The Square, with the finish expected around 3pm.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders
“Yet again we have a fantastic route which will showcase the Scottish Borders to an international audience and challenge the very best cyclists in the world.
“Kelso town centre will be buzzing throughout the day on Saturday 7 June, but we’ll also be putting on activities and entertainment in Melrose and there will be brilliant opportunities all around the route to see the race, including multiple times in some locations.
“The South of Scotland is a UCI Bike Region and we are incredibly proud to be the first area in Scotland to host a UCI WorldTour event.”
Jonathan Day, Managing Director of British Cycling Events
“The announcement of the detailed stage routes marks another waypoint in the build-up to this year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, and one that allows both spectators travelling to the race and the communities lining the stages to start planning their day and how and where they will watch the race.
“With the fantastic, world-class line-up of teams that will be racing and the varied terrain across the four stages, fans can look forward to some great action every day, and a very worthy champion being crowned in Glasgow. What is more, those joining us in Glasgow will have the extra special opportunity through the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival to celebrate the joy of cycling with us and to get on their bikes and ride the circuit first hand after the race.”
Support from EventScotland
Both stages are being supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland
“The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is a spectacular showcase for some of Scotland’s stunning landscapes and one of its most dynamic cities. From the historic charm of Kelso and the dramatic Eildon Hills to the iconic River Clyde and vibrant streets of Glasgow, riders and spectators will experience a memorable journey through some of Scotland’s rich scenery and distinctive urban character.
“As well as providing great entertainment, events like this play a key role in Scotland’s year-round visitor economy by supporting businesses, sustaining communities, and reinforcing our position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
About stage four
From Glasgow Green the race will exit onto the Saltmarket, passing in front of the McLennan Arch, then turning right onto Clyde Street, to run alongside the River Clyde for the next 1.5 kilometres to Finnieston Quay.
There the circuit turns inland, with the start of a gradual ascent up Finnieston Street to the junction with Argyle Street, and a right turn back towards the city centre along the climb of St Vincent Street.
Descending to West Nile Street, the route weaves its way into George Street, passing the St George’s Tron Church, to run along the northern side of George Square, as far as the High Street, and a fast run down to the Tolbooth Steeple, and left turn onto London Road.
The circuit re-enters Glasgow Green via Binnie Place, down to once again run alongside the Clyde in the closing few hundred metres, before the dash to the line in the heart of the Green.
Riders will contest ten laps of the 8.4-kilometre (5.2 miles), including bonus sprints at the finish line at the end of laps four, six and eight. The final stage will start at 10am for an expected finish around Midday, with the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival place on the same traffic free route during the afternoon, between 1pm and 4pm, with no limit on the number of laps riders can do. A shorter 1.5-kilometre closed road route based around Glasgow Green will be also available.
Scottish Cycling Chief Executive Officer Nick Rennie
"With the race drawing ever closer, it’s great to have the routes finalised and publicised – I am sure a lot of our cycling community will now be plotting where they’ll be heading to on the course to cheer on some of the best riders in the world.
“Having seen elite level racing in Glasgow during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and in Kelso at the Tour of Britain Men last year, I know that both stages will prove exciting for riders and spectators alike, and I can’t wait to be there to cheer them on, particularly our Scottish riders!”