On Wednesday 2 September 2026, the Tour of Britain Men will be coming to Lincoln!
Stage One will start and finish in the city, with thousands of spectators expected to line the route.
The Grand Depart
The race will start from Castle Square at 10.30am, with team introductions taking place from around 10am. The race will leave the city at approximately 10.45am.
Race route and finish
With 182.5km and 1,315m of ascent, riders will head out into the Lincolnshire Wolds after leaving Lincoln, passing through Market Rasen before reaching the route's northernmost point at Caistor. They will then travel via Waddingham and Ingham before returning to the city.
The cyclists will return to Lincoln at around 1.45pm to complete five laps of the city, with each lap taking approximately 19 minutes.
The city centre route will pass directly outside City Hall, coming down Yarborough Road, along West Parade, then up Motherby Lane and Michaelgate. The iconic cobbled climb is expected to provide a thrilling finale and could play a key role in deciding the first race leader.
The race is expected to finish between 3.05pm and 3.30pm.
Race Village
The official Race Village will be located inside Lincoln Castle grounds, giving spectators the chance to soak up the atmosphere alongside the racing.
Road closures and parking restrictions
Temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in place throughout the day to allow the race to take place safely. Closure times vary depending on the road and can be found below:
From 8pm on Tuesday 1 September until 6.30pm on Wednesday 2
September
- Vere Street, between Newport and No.12
From 4am to 6.30pm
- Bailgate, between Castle Hill and Newport
- Castle Hill
- Church Lane, between Newport and Stainfield Avenue
- Drury Lane, between Wordsworth Street and Castle Hill
- Exchequergate
- Good Lane, between Newport and Francis Street
- Michaelgate, between Spring Hill and Wordsworth Street
- Newport, between Bailgate and Riseholme Road
- Union Road, between Westgate and Spring Hill
- Westgate
- Wordsworth Street, between Steep Hill and Drury Lane
8:30am to 6.30pm
- Eastgate, between Bailgate and Priory Gate
- Minster Yard, between Eastgate and Pottergate
9am to 11.30am
- Broadway
- College Close
- Hungate, between Motherby Lane and Spring Hill
- Jubilee Court
- Lillys Road
- St Johns Road
- The Colosseum
- Williamson Street
12pm to 4.30pm
- A57 Burton Waters Roundabout, between Burton Waters and Long Leys Road
- Burton Road, between Burton Road Roundabout and Main Street
- Castle Hill
- Drury Lane, between Union Road and Castle Hill
- Hungate, between West Parade and Spring Hill
- Long Leys Road, between the A57 and Yarborough Hill
- Main Street, Fen Lane, between the B1398 and A57
- Michaelgate
- Motherby Lane, between West Parade and Hungate
- West Parade, between Yarborough Hill and Motherby Lane
- Wordsworth Street
- Yarborough Crescent
- Yarborough Road, between Burton Road Roundabout and West Parade
There will also be several city centre car parks closed from 6pm on Tuesday 1 September until 6pm on Wednesday 2 September, including:
- Castle Hill, Lincoln, LN1 3AA
- The Lawn, Union Road, LN1 3BU
- St Paul's Lane, Lincoln, LN1 3AL
- Westgate 1, 2 & 3, Westgate, Lincoln, LN1 3BG
- Motherby Lane, Lincoln, LN1 1EX
Plan your journey
If you're travelling into or around Lincoln on 2 September, allow extra time and plan your journey in advance. Local diversion routes will be in place to help residents, businesses and visitors get around the city.
Key timings
1 September at 6pm: Selected city centre car parks close
1 September at 8pm: Road closures begin (Vere Street)
2 September at 4am: Main city-centre road closures begin
2 September at 10am: Team introductions begin
2 September at 10.30am: Grand Depart from Castle Square
2 September at approx. 10.45am: Race leaves Lincoln
2 September at approx. 1.45pm: Race returns to Lincoln
2 September at 3.05–3.30pm: Expected race finish
2 September at 6pm: Car parks reopen
2 September at 6.30pm: All main road closures end
Once the first stage has been completed, the race will head out from Lincoln to Boston to Skegness for Stage Two, Hull to Beverly for Stage Three, Helmsley to Leyburn for Stage Four, and finally, Earlston to Earlston for Stage Five.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“It is fantastic to welcome the opening stage of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain to Lincoln on 2 September, putting our city in the national and international spotlight as some of the country’s best professional cyclists take on this challenging stage.
“Cycling is part of Lincoln’s identity, and having the first stage start and finish in the city is a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything that makes Lincoln such a special place. From our world-class heritage and historic cobbled streets to our independent businesses, vibrant waterfront and welcoming city centre, there is plenty for visitors to discover while they are here.
“We look forward to welcoming cyclists, teams, spectators and visitors to Lincoln and seeing the city come alive for what promises to be a memorable day of racing.”
For more updates and key information ahead of the event, visit City of Lincoln Council’s Facebook page.