THE WORLD’S BEST female cyclists will race through Worcestershire this summer when the fourth stage of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour takes place in the county on June 16.
Confirmed on International Women’s Day, March 8, Wychavon District Council, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council will jointly host the penultimate stage of the race, part of the UCI Women’s World Tour.
Exact details of the start, which will be in the Wychavon District, and the route are still to be confirmed, while the finish will come in Worcester city centre, which has on three occasions hosted starts of the men’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
Coun Linda Robinson, Leader of Wychavon said, “We are thrilled the OVO Energy Women’s Tour is starting in Wychavon.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase women’s cycling and highlight our wonderful district at the same time.
“To get the starting event is an incredible opportunity and we promise to give these athletes the best send off on their stage that we possibly can.”
The Worcestershire leg of the race will cover approximately 130km and is likely to include the famous Snowshill climb at Broadway that has previously appeared in the men’s event.
Race Director Mick Bennett said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners in Worcestershire for the first time on the OVO Energy Women’s Tour building on the success we have enjoyed with the men’s Tour and Tour Series events.
The OVO Energy Women’s Tour was launched in 2014 and is now firmly among the world’s top events, attracting a world-class field with previous champions including Lizzie Deignan and Marianne Vos.
In total 17 teams will compete in the 2018 OVO Energy Women’s Tour, including four British squads.
