Earlston will host the start and finish of the fifth and final stage of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men on Sunday 6 September 2026.
The final stage of the UCI ProSeries race comes to one of Scotland’s leading cycling destinations again and will see the conclusion of five stages of action.
Tour returns to the Borders
The Scottish Borders has a rich tradition of hosting iconic Tour stages. Hawick hosted a stage start of the men’s race in 2021 and 2022, while Kelso has a successful recent history with the Tours of Britain, hosting stages of the men’s race in 2017, 2019 and 2024 in its modern iteration, as well as welcoming the women’s race for the first time in 2025, witnessing a British win for Cat Ferguson.
British Cycling research, delivered by GSIQ, showed the 2025 Lloyds Tours of Britain brought an overall cumulative economic impact of £62.3 million to the local areas which hosted the ten stages, bringing huge social impact to communities across the country as well.
The hosting of major cycling events such as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men is part of partnership agreed between us, British Cycling and Visit Scotland to grow cycling and tourism links in the region.
The 2026 edition will take place in Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire, before heading to the Scottish Borders for its conclusion.
About the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men
The Lloyds Tour of Britain is the largest free-to-attend sporting spectacle in the UK and is delivered under the mantel of two races, one Tour of Britain. The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men is part of the UCI ProSeries, making it one of the most prestigious sporting events in the sport’s global calendar, attracting some of the world's best professional cycling teams and riders, including world and Olympic champions.
Jonathan Day, Director of Events for British Cycling Ventures
“We are delighted to be bringing the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to these fantastic locations later this year. We are bringing new hosts and stages in Lincoln, Boston and Skegness, and Leyburn, and it is fantastic to return to previous hosts of the race in Hull and Beverley, Helmsley, and the Scottish Borders.
“Taking the Tour to Lincoln for the first time, a city synonymous with its love for cycling, will be special for the opening stage of the men’s race, before the route winds its way up the east coast via North Yorkshire, before reaching the Scottish Borders in Earlston.
"On behalf of British Cycling Ventures, I would like to pay thanks to our partners across the five stages for supporting the hosting and delivery of this September’s race and enabling us to bring another memorable and action packed five days of 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.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders
“Having hosted 12 Tour of Britain stages in the past 17 years, it is fantastic that we’ve been able to work with British Cycling to bring the final stage to the area for the first time, and no doubt we’ll see some of the world’s best riders battle it out for the overall title.
“The continued support of VisitScotland in helping us bring high quality, international level events to the area is hugely appreciated, and we anticipate another significant positive economic impact for the region, with the final stage drawing in spectators from far and wide.
“The final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain will once again give us an opportunity to showcase what the Scottish Borders has to offer, for not just the professional cyclist but also those who enjoy being active at any level. As we look forward to hosting Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027, there can be no doubt this region is truly worthy of our UCI Bike Region title.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland
"Today’s exciting news is further recognition of the Scottish Borders renowned reputation as a leading cycling destination.
“The region’s scenic road routes and landscapes, as well as it’s many cycling experiences, make it the perfect stage to host the final, thrilling stage of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men.
“Events of this scale undoubtedly help raise a destination’s profile, introducing its offering to new audiences and inspiring future visits. This in turn boosts the local economy, and makes Scotland a better place to live, visit, work and do business.”
Five stages
The opening stage will be a start-finish in the cathedral city of Lincoln before the second stage starts in Boston with a finish on the coast in Skegness. The race continues its journey up the east of the country with a stage from Hull, taking in the wonderful coastline before heading into the Wolds for the finish in Beverley. North Yorkshire provides the penultimate stage moving from Moors to Dales starting in Helmsley and finishing in Leyburn. The race will then conclude on familiar roads in the Scottish Borders but with a new start-finish location in Earlston.
The full list of stages is:
- Stage 1: Lincoln – Lincoln
- Stage 2: Boston – Skegness
- Stage 3: Hull – Beverley
- Stage 4: Helmsley - Leyburn
- Stage 5: Earlston - Earlston
Further announcements, including the detailed routes for the five stages of the men’s race, will be announced in the coming weeks. The host locations for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women will also be announced soon.
Play your part on the day
If you are interested in helping deliver the Lloyds Tour of Britain you can register your interest in volunteering online.