Derbyshire to welcome women’s cycling tour this summer

The women's race in 2015 Credit: PA

Derbyshire will welcome the Aviva Woman’s Tour for the first time this June, as the world’s top racers head to the county for Stage Three of the race.

The announcement comes after the success of hosting the Tour of Britain last September and the recent launch of the Derbyshire Cycle Plan, which aims to make the county more connected to cycling.

The world’s top racers, including World Champion Lizzie Armistead and reigning Tour champion Lisa Brennauer will race from Ashbourne to Chesterfield, on a 112.6 kilometre stage, which includes 2,000 metres of climbing.

Cyclists will race through the Peak District National Parkand through Buxton, Youlgreave and Matlock before finishing in Chesterfield.

Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Dean Collins, said:

Cyclists will ride through the Peak District Credit: PA

Cycling fans in the Midlands will also have the chance to catch the action for a second time a day later on Stage Four, which will also pass through Derbyshire on its way from Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent.

  • Stage One, Wednesday 15 June, Southwold to Norwich - 132km

  • Stage Two, Thursday 16 June, Atherstone to Stratford-upon-Avon - 140km

  • Stage Three, Friday 17 June, Ashbourne to Chesterfield - 112km

  • Stage Four, Saturday 18 June, Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent -119km

  • Stage Five, Sunday 19 June, Northampton to Kettering - 133km