Less than 1 week until Tour of Britain Cycling Race comes to Bedfordshire

Some of the world’s top cyclists will race through Central Bedfordshire next week as stage three of the Tour of Britain Men comes to the area, with a finish in Ampthill on Thursday 4 September.

Anticipation is building ahead of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race, which will see the 122.8-kilometre stage set off from Milton Keynes before travelling through Woburn, Toddington, Barton-le-Clay and Shefford. The route includes a spectator-friendly double loop around Northill and Old Warden before the riders sprint to the finish alongside Ampthill’s historic Great Park.

The line-up features former Tour of Britain winner Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling), stage winners Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R LaMondiale), Ben Swift (INEOS Grenadiers), Rasmus Tiller (Uno-X Mobility) and Matteo Trentin (Tudor Pro Cycling). It will also mark the final competitive race for Tour de France champion and Olympic gold medallist Geraint Thomas before his retirement.

Ampthill will host a lively event village beside the finish line, complete with live big-screen coverage, cycling activities and family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a cycle fan zone with leading brands, adaptive bike displays, road safety advice, a bike swap scheme, and interactive experiences from Bedfordshire Police and Fire and Rescue Service.

With thousands expected, organisers are urging visitors to plan ahead. There will be no town centre parking in Ampthill, but free parking and a shuttle bus will operate from Flitwick Interchange throughout the day. Additional parking is available at the Rufus Centre and Flitwick Football Club.

Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to see world-class sport on their doorstep, and to inspire the champions of the future. The Tour of Britain will showcase the beauty of Central Bedfordshire to a global audience, and promises a great day out for all.”

Route timings (approximate):

• Start – Milton Keynes (Midsummer Boulevard): 11:30

• Woburn: 11:54

• Toddington: 12:13

• Streatley: 12:25

• Barton-le-Clay: 12:29

• Shillington: 12:40

• Northill: 13:19

• Cardington: 13:25

• Shefford: 13:42

• Northill (second loop): 14:03

• Cardington (second loop): 14:09

• Finish – Ampthill (Woburn Road): 14:40