Cycling star Remco Evenepoel set to compete in the Tour of Britain Men's event before his departure from Soudal Quick-Step team, officially confirmed
The 2023 edition of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men's race is set to cover six stages over approximately 886 km, starting in Woodbridge, Suffolk on September 2 and concluding in Cardiff on September 7. This year's route offers a mix of coastal, Midlands, and Welsh terrain, with three punchy finishes and several challenging climbs that promise dynamic racing and strong tests for climbers.
The Stages
The tour begins with a coastal start in Suffolk on Stage 1, from Woodbridge to Southwold. The following day, riders will embark on a loop stage in Suffolk on Stage 2, starting and ending in Stowmarket.
Stage 3 takes the race to Milton Keynes and Ampthill in Central Bedfordshire, marking a first-time visit to Ampthill. The challenging Stage 4 leads from Atherstone to Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, with a hilltop finish in Warwickshire.
The penultimate stage on September 6 opens in Pontypool and features a double ascent of The Tumble, a steep 5 km climb averaging over 8%, expected to be decisive for the general classification. The final stage on September 7 starts at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome in Newport and finishes in Cardiff, including the ascent of Caerphilly Mountain within the last 10 km, providing a punchy finish to the race.
Key Participants and Changes
Remco Evenepoel, the current holder of the rainbow bands, has confirmed his participation in the Tour of Britain. Last year, Evenepoel struggled in the cooler conditions of the Tour of Britain Men after training in Spain. This year, he aims to defend his ITT title and win back the road race title at the World Championship.
Geraint Thomas, the Welsh cycling icon, will also be participating in the Tour of Britain Men's race. This will reportedly be his last professional appearance in the Tour of Britain, making the finale in South Wales particularly emotional and challenging. Thomas will be honored in his home town of Cardiff on the final stage of the race.
The make-up of Soudal Quick-Step's seven-man team for the Tour of Britain Men has yet to be announced. However, the team dynamic going forward, with Evenepoel leaving Soudal Quick-Step, will be interesting to watch. Remco Evenepoel's move from Soudal Quick-Step to Red Bull is now official, adding another layer of intrigue to the race.
The Tour of Britain Men's race does not include any time trials, but the focus will be on the punchy finishes and challenging climbs. Remco Evenepoel will ride the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, having attended the race last year.
The full route for the Tour of Britain Men's race has been revealed this week, promising a thrilling and challenging journey from East Suffolk to Cardiff. With three punchy finishes, significant climbing, and tactical intricacies, this year's Tour of Britain is shaping up to be an exciting event for cycling enthusiasts.
Spectators can expect engaging sports action in the 2023 Tour of Britain Men's race, given the numerous challenging climbs and punchy finishes. Remco Evenepoel, the current holder of the rainbow bands, is one of the key participants aiming to defend his ITT title and win the road race title at the World Championship.
