The excitement is building as the 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men’s cycling race returns for another spectacular edition, promising six days of high-octane racing and community celebration across the United Kingdom. From Tuesday, September 2, to Sunday, September 7, the nation’s top professional cyclists—and many international stars—will tackle a challenging route that weaves through iconic British landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant city centers. This year’s race is set to deliver not only fierce competition but also a series of community events and historical moments, all brought live to fans via ITV4 and ITVX.
The race will kick off in Woodbridge, Suffolk, on September 2, marking the first of two stages in the region before the peloton heads westward. The anticipation for stage three, scheduled for September 4, is especially palpable, as it sees the Tour return to Milton Keynes for the first time since 2008. Cyclists will line up on Midsummer Boulevard, ready to take on a 122-kilometre route that winds through Woburn Sands, Woburn, and Toddington before culminating in Ampthill. For locals and cycling enthusiasts alike, this marks a long-awaited revival of top-tier cycling action in the heart of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
“We are delighted to confirm ITV4 and ITVX as broadcast partners for September, as we continue to bring the Lloyds Tour of Britain to as many people as possible so that they can share in the joy of cycling, and the excitement and action that the race brings each year,” said Darren Henry, Chief Commercial Officer of British Cycling, emphasizing the importance of broad, free-to-air access for fans nationwide. This will be the 13th consecutive year the race is broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX, and the 17th straight edition covered by ITV since 2008, underscoring the event’s enduring popularity and the broadcaster’s commitment to cycling coverage.
Stage three’s start in Milton Keynes is more than just a logistical note—it’s a homecoming of sorts. The city last hosted a stage start during the 2008 edition, and its return is expected to draw large crowds, echoing the vibrant atmosphere that has characterized past visits. The route’s passage through Woburn Sands, Woburn, and Toddington will provide a scenic backdrop for both riders and viewers, with rolling countryside and historic villages offering plenty of visual drama. The finish in Ampthill is set to be a highlight, with local fans eager to witness the world-class sprinting and tactical battles that typically define the closing kilometers of a Tour of Britain stage.
The 2025 Tour of Britain is not just about the racing, though. Organizers and local partners are pulling out all the stops to create a festival-like atmosphere at key stage locations. Nowhere is this more evident than in Newport, which will host the start of the final stage on Sunday, September 7. The day’s festivities will center around the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales, one of only five indoor velodromes in the UK and a hub for cycling development in Wales. The team presentation, set to begin at 10:30 AM inside the velodrome, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for fans, with limited free tickets available for those eager to see their cycling heroes up close.
“The Tour of Britain Men stage 6 is being hosted by Newport City Council in partnership with Newport Live, and is being funded by UK government through its Shared Prosperity Fund,” explained Andrea Ovey, Commercial Director at Newport Live. The day will feature a range of community events, including track taster sessions and a bike valet service, ensuring that everyone from seasoned cyclists to curious newcomers can get involved. With the race start scheduled for 11:45 AM, the streets between Newport and Cardiff are expected to be lined with cheering spectators, all eager to witness the dramatic conclusion of Britain’s premier stage race.
This year’s race also carries a special significance for Welsh cycling fans, as it marks the retirement of Geraint Thomas, one of the nation’s most celebrated riders. The velodrome’s renaming in his honor following his 2018 Tour de France victory serves as a poignant backdrop for the final stage, and organizers are encouraging fans to celebrate both the sport and Thomas’s remarkable career. “We’re so thrilled to be involved in this way, not least because of the renaming in celebration of Geraint’s Tour de France win in 2018, which is why we renamed it of course and the Tour of Britain this year marks Geraint’s retirement from professional cycling,” Ovey added.
Throughout the week, ITV4 and ITVX will provide comprehensive live coverage of every stage, ensuring that fans across Britain—and beyond—don’t miss a moment of the action. Each day’s racing will be followed by a highlights program, offering expert analysis, rider interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights. For many, the accessibility of free-to-air coverage is a game-changer, helping to grow the sport’s popularity and inspire the next generation of cyclists.
The Tour of Britain’s status as the UK’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event is a source of pride for organizers and local communities alike. The economic and cultural impact of the race is significant, with thousands of visitors expected to flock to stage towns and cities, filling hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. For host cities like Milton Keynes and Newport, the race represents an opportunity to showcase their commitment to sport, active lifestyles, and community engagement.
As the race winds its way from Suffolk to the Welsh capital, each stage will offer its own unique challenges and storylines. Will the sprinters dominate the flat finishes, or will the rolling terrain open the door for daring breakaways? Can local favorites seize the moment, or will international stars steal the spotlight? With the overall finish set for Cardiff on September 7, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion—one that promises drama, emotion, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
With live coverage, vibrant community events, and a route that honors both tradition and innovation, the 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men is shaping up as a must-watch spectacle. Whether you’re a die-hard cycling fan or a casual viewer, there’s no better time to tune in and experience the joy, excitement, and camaraderie that define this iconic race. All eyes will be on the riders as they chase glory across Britain’s roads, with the nation cheering them every pedal stroke of the way.
