The day has arrived: Tour of Britain comes to Central Bedfordshire

The wait is over – today (Thursday 4 September) some of the world’s best cyclists will race through Central Bedfordshire in stage three of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, finishing in Ampthill’s historic Great Park.

Stage three of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race starts in Milton Keynes at 11:30am before making its way through Woburn, Toddington, Barton-le-Clay, Shefford and beyond – with a spectator-friendly double loop around Northill and Old Warden – before finishing in Ampthill at around 2:40pm.

This is the UK’s largest free-to-attend sporting event, broadcast live on national TV and followed around the world. Tens of thousands of fans are expected to line the route.

The riders to watch

Some of cycling’s biggest stars will be on the roads today, including:

• Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling) – former Tour of Britain champion and Tour de France favourite

• Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R LaMondiale) – renowned sprinter and stage winner

• Ben Swift (INEOS Grenadiers) – British champion and stage winner

• Rasmus Tiller (Uno-X Mobility) – powerhouse rider with Tour stage success

• Matteo Trentin (Tudor Pro Cycling) – experienced all-rounder and stage winner

• And in a special moment: Geraint Thomas – Tour de France winner, Olympic gold medallist and British cycling legend, making his final competitive UK appearance before retirement

What you need to know

• The event is free to attend

• Expect rolling road closures as the race passes through (around 30–45 minutes at most)

• National TV and worldwide coverage will showcase our area

• A fantastic chance to get together with friends, family and neighbours

Route and timings

• 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

Road closures

To keep everyone safe, there will be a rolling road closure in place along the race route.

That means roads will only be closed shortly before riders arrive and will reopen once they’ve safely passed. In most areas, this should last no more than 30–45 minutes.

Getting to the event

By train

• Nearest station: Flitwick, on the Midland Main Line (services north to Bedford, south to Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and London St Pancras).

• From the station it’s a short walk to Flitwick Interchange, where you can catch the free shuttle bus to Ampthill.

• A taxi rank is also located outside the station.

By bus

• A free shuttle bus will run all day between Flitwick Interchange (next to the train station, MK45 1AJ) and Ampthill Great Park.

• Drop-off is at the A507/Woburn Road junction – just a short walk to the finish line.

• Buses run every 15 minutes throughout the day.

• Local routes 42 and 44 also link Flitwick and Ampthill (check timetables).

By car

• No parking in Ampthill town centre. Drivers are asked to use one of the designated car parks in Flitwick:

  • Chargeable car parks on Steppingly Road (near Flitwick Station).

  • Free parking at The Rufus Centre (MK45 1AH) – includes a café/bar on site. A short walk to Flitwick Interchange for shuttle buses.

  • Free parking at Flitwick Football Club (MK45 1BA) – use the footbridge over the A507 for direct access to Ampthill on foot.

At the finish line

Ampthill Great Park will be buzzing with atmosphere. Expect:

• Live big-screen race coverage

• Fan zone with cycling brands including Cycle Exchange and Tredz

• Adaptive bikes and Ice Trikes demos

• Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue VR car experience

• Bike marking and safety advice from Bedfordshire Police

• Road safety and health advice from local organisations

• Food, drink and family-friendly activities

A message from the council

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.”