News: Scottish Women’s Tour Starts Friday

Stretching across five cities, the three-stage Scottish Women’s Tour will get Scotland on its feet

News: Scottish Women’s Tour Starts Friday

The world’s best cycling teams will be tested by a challenging route at the Women’s Tour of Scotland, starting in Dundee on Friday 9 August. The three-day tour, a new and permanent fixture on the professional cycling calendar, will stretch across five cities, before a family friendly finale in Edinburgh on Sunday 11 August.

A world-class field is assembling with Chloe Hosking, Dani Christmas, Brodie Chapman, Emma White, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Katie Archibald all set to star. Olympic and world champion Archibald said: “This is a great route for a race and the sheer calibre of teams and riders who will be racing the first Women’s Tour of Scotland is really exciting. I’m proud to be involved with the Tour and I really hope more women and girls will be inspired to start cycling as a result.”

Scottish rider Katie Archibald (centre) will be among those vying for the Baillie Gifford Leaders Jersey

Friday’s Stage 1, starting in Dundee and finishing in Dunfermline, offers fans the chance to see the first-ever Women’s Tour take shape. The first sprint of the race comes at Cupar which offers a prime position for spectators to catch a glimpse of the riders, with sprinters starting the battle for the Motorola sprints jersey.

The second Queen of the Mountains climb that day, The Cleish, could be fascinating and comes with only 15km to go, with fans in with a chance of seeing a key attack. This could see the end of the stage result in a small bunch sprint, or some riders attacking in a bid to breakaway and finish alone in to the streets of Dunfermline.

A host of activities are on offer at the start in Dundee’s Slessor Gardens: the University of Dundee are offering spin sessions and Cycling Scotland a track to test your bike skills. You can see E-Trikes, measure your speed on a time trial roller, shop for bikes and sample food and coffee stalls, with much, much more besides. At the finish in Dunfermline, fans can experience a short section of the route at the finish, try Pilates for Cyclists and sample a demonstration of a Talking Tandem.
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Supporters watching Stage 2 on Saturday can expect a bunch sprint for the ages as sprinters vie for success, starting in the iconic centre of Glasgow and ending in Perth. The early major climb, Duke’s Pass, will be the perfect place to catch the best of the action after the riders leave George Square behind them.

The feed zone which comes shortly after the descent at Strathyre Cabins, is a great chance for any young ones watching to grab any leftover bottles and other team souvenirs! Central Glasgow will be buzzing on Saturday morning for the start, with the city-based Women on Wheels campaign launching on the start line and 50 ladies from local clubs taking to the course.

Stage 3 departs from Edinburgh, where the Fringe Festival atmosphere will be aglow, and a carnival-like finish in Holyrood Park in store on Sunday afternoon. Fans can catch a sight of the group as they leave the capital and head towards Glentress, where the feed zone again offers fans an opportunity to see the riders up close.

The long dragging climb of The Mound which then comes with around 50km to the finish, looks sure to offer the main obstacle to any lead developed by the woman wearing yellow. Not only will medals be handed out and dreams made at the finish, but fans can get involved too. Anyone can come along and ride a lap of Holyrood Park with Gail Porter and Mark Beaumont from 10:45, while Youth Road Races and Pump Tracks will see local riders showcase their skills.