Photo: swpix.com
Stage four of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men returns to North Yorkshire in Helmsley and Leyburn
Helmsley returns to host the fourth stage start of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men on Saturday 5 September 2026, with the finish line in Leyburn, as the UCI ProSeries race comes to the towns in North Yorkshire.
The penultimate stage of the men’s race will see the peloton head out into the beautiful hills of North Yorkshire, departing from the North York Moors Park town of Helmsley, before concluding in the market town of Leyburn near the banks of the River Ure.
There is a return of the Tour to Helmsley for the first time in four years, while Leyburn welcomes a finish of the race for the first time in the modern event’s history.
North Yorkshire last hosted the modern men’s Tour in 2022 when Gonzalo Serrano won at Duncombe Park, Helmsley on his way to overall victory, while last year saw the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women begin at Forestry England Dalby Forest.
British Cycling research, delivered by GSIQ, showed the 2025 Lloyds Tours of Britain brought an overall cumulative economic impact of £62.3 million to the local areas which hosted the ten stages, bringing huge social impact to communities across the country as well.
The hosting of major cycling events such as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men is part of partnership agreed between British Cycling and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to grow cycling and tourism links in the region.
Jonathan Day, Director of Events for British Cycling Ventures, said:
“We are delighted to be bringing the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to these fantastic locations later this year. We are bringing new hosts and stages in Lincoln, Boston and Skegness, and Leyburn, and it is fantastic to return to previous hosts of the race in Hull and Beverley, Helmsley, and the Scottish Borders.
“Taking the Tour to Lincoln for the first time, a city synonymous with its love for cycling, will be special for the opening stage of the men’s race, before the route winds its way up the east coast via North Yorkshire, before reaching the Scottish Borders in Earlston.
"On behalf of British Cycling Ventures, I would like to pay thanks to our partners across the five stages for supporting the hosting and delivery of this September’s race and enabling us to bring another memorable and action packed five days of world class racing to their communities, spreading the joy of cycling along the route, and inspiring more people to get on a bike and live healthier lives.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“From the start in Helmsley to the finish in Leyburn, I know we’re going to create a special atmosphere as we welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to North Yorkshire.
"We’re partnering with British Cycling to bring the fourth stage of this iconic race to God’s own county. We’ll be showing off the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the vibrant communities that call these spectacular places home on a global stage.
“It’s a major opportunity to boost tourism, spread the joy of cycling and inspire more people to lead healthier lives.”
Photo: swpix.com
Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to North Yorkshire, with both Helmsley hosting the start and Leyburn welcoming the finish of what promises to be a spectacular stage.
“This internationally recognised event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our stunning landscapes, vibrant market towns and enthusiastic communities to a global audience. It also brings real benefits to our local economy, supporting businesses and inspiring residents and visitors alike to get active and enjoy everything North Yorkshire has to offer.
“We look forward to working with partners to deliver a memorable event and give riders and spectators an outstanding Yorkshire welcome.”
Lizzie Bushby, Deputy Chair and Member Champion for Recreation Management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said:
“We’re incredibly excited to see world-class cycling return to the Yorkshire Dales, an area that has firmly earned its place on the global sporting stage. From the unforgettable scenes of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ, where huge crowds lined roads through the National Park, to the thrilling racing of the Tour de Yorkshire and the UCI Road World Championships, these landscapes have produced truly iconic moments in cycling history. The atmosphere will be unlike anywhere else, and we can’t wait to welcome the peloton back and create the next chapter in the Dales’ cycling story.”
The 2026 edition will take place in Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire, before heading to the Scottish Borders for its conclusion.
The opening stage will be a start-finish in the cathedral city of Lincoln before the second stage starts in Boston with a finish on the coast in Skegness. The race continues its journey up the east of the country with a stage from Hull, taking in the wonderful coastline before heading into the Wolds for the finish in Beverley. North Yorkshire provides the penultimate stage moving from Moors to Dales starting in Helmsley and finishing in Leyburn. The race will then conclude on familiar roads in the Scottish Borders but with a new start-finish location in the market town of Earlston.
The full list of stages is:
- Stage 1: Lincoln – Lincoln
- Stage 2: Boston – Skegness
- Stage 3: Hull – Beverley
- Stage 4: Helmsley - Leyburn
- Stage 5: Earlston - Earlston
Further announcements, including the detailed routes for the five stages of the men’s race, will be announced in the coming weeks. The host locations for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women will also be announced soon.
Interested in volunteering at the Lloyds Tour of Britain? You can register your interest here and play a part in the biggest free to spectate event in the UK.
Published on Tuesday 16 June 2026
