All the stages, all the contenders: Your complete guide to the Tour of Britain Men 2026

The 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men cycling race will be a unique event, bringing together a diverse mix of riders from various backgrounds and levels of experience. With stages set to take place across different locations, including Lincoln, Boston, Hull, Beverley, Helmsley, and Leyburn, the race promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and competition.

The first stage of the race will begin in Lincoln on Wednesday, 2 September, covering a distance of 182.5km with a total elevation of 1,393m. Riders will tackle the iconic Michaelgate climb, which is only 0.3km long but features a challenging 11% gradient. This stage will provide valuable experience for riders looking to make a mark in the upcoming world championships.

The second stage will take place on Thursday, 3 September, as the peloton moves from Lincoln to Boston. Covering a distance of 180.2km with 873m of elevation, stage two remains a flat course, making it a prime location for sprinters to hold breaks and rejoin the main group. With its beach resort atmosphere, Skegness will likely attract a large crowd to watch the sprint finish.

On Friday, 4 September, the race will resume in Hull, with a 194.1km stage and 1,612m of elevation. This long, flat stage will navigate the Hull coastline, with riders facing more significant climbs after passing through Wolds. The final circuit around Beverley will see riders tackle three-and-a-half laps, providing a thrilling finish to the day's racing.

The fourth stage will see the peloton venture into the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park on Saturday, 5 September. With 170.3km and 2,839m of elevation, this is the race's queen stage, featuring four major climbs. The day's highlights will include riders tackling the highpoint of the route and the final uphill effort to the finish at the racecourse, where Olav Kooij won a sprint victory in 2023.