Elinor Barker and Lizzie Deignan Spearhead British Team

Elinor Barker and Lizzie Deignan, both Olympic medalists, lead Great Britain’s six-member team for the upcoming Tour of Britain Women. In addition to Barker and Deignan, the team includes Elynor Backstedt, Anna Henderson, Millie Couzens and Flora Perkins. The race, commencing on June 6th, will commence with the first two stages taking place in Wales before concluding in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on June 9th.

Welsh cyclist Elinor Barker, a gold medalist in the women’s team pursuit at the Rio Games in 2016 expressed excitement about racing on home turf, anticipating the exceptional energy and support from the crowds. With two stages in Wales, she looks forward to the challenge presented by the iconic roads. The Welsh landscape’s diversity and undulating routes promise to add an exciting dimension to the competition, fueling Barker’s anticipation for the forthcoming race.

Under its new name, the race formerly known as the Women’s Tour commences in Welshpool, with the first stage concluding in Llandudno. The second day sees teams passing through Wrexham, followed by the third stage starting in Warrington before concluding in Greater Manchester. The Women’s Tour faced cancellation in 2023 due to funding challenges, but Deignan, a silver medalist at the London Olympics in 2012 and a two-time Women’s Tour champion, expressed gratitude to British Cycling for reviving the event despite obstacles.