Derby Arena gears up for a thrilling start to cycling Tour of Britain

Excitement is building as Derby Arena gears up to host the exhilarating start of the men’s Tour of Britain on Friday 6th September. The East Midlands route will take the cyclists from Derby to Newark-on-Trent, through Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Whether you’re planning to join the crowd at Derby Arena to watch the electrifying start or cheer on the riders as they pass through your village, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Feel the rush of the peloton as it races by and become part of the vibrant atmosphere that only a world-class cycling event can bring. Grab your family, friends, and neighbours, and experience the thrill up close!

It has been announced that some famous faces will be joining the event this year as Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock headline the start list. 

The event will be starting at Derby Arena at 11am. This will be the first time in 20 years that Derby City has welcomed the athletes as the starting point of the tour. This year will be the third time that Newark-on-Trent has hosted a stage finish of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain. This stage is expected to finish between 2.13pm and 2.52pm on the Friday afternoon.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Men’s Tour of Britain to Derby for the first time in 20 years. This event is not only a celebration of world-class cycling but also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vibrancy and energy of our city. Hosting the start of this prestigious race highlights Derby’s commitment to promoting sports, culture, and tourism, and we look forward to the excitement and community spirit it will bring.”

The Men’s Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain started at the Scottish Borders on Tuesday 3rd September followed by stages in the Tees Valley and South Yorkshire. Following the East Midlands stage the race continues in West Northamptonshire before concluding in Suffolk on Sunday 8 September after six days of racing.

There will be a rolling road closure over Friday 6th September, all residents and businesses that may be affected have been contacted and signage has gone up on the route.

If you want to watch the event live from the comfort of your living room, you can watch the event on ITV4 as well as on the British Cycling YouTube channel.

You can also come down to Derby Arena and watch the athletes set off in the morning. Parking is available at Derby Arena, subject to availability. 

A huge range of other events are taking place on Friday at Derby Arena to keep the thrill of the race going after the cyclists have set off.

Experience the Velodrome
Track cycling taster sessions at 12noon - 1pm or 1pm – 2pm. £15 per person (12 years+) including all equipment hire. Register at reception to book your place.

Bouncy Castle fun 
There is fun for everyone, let the kids bounce around between 8am – 2pm for just £3.50 each. For ages 0-12 yrs. Register at reception.

Meet event partners
Come along and meet some of the partners who we work closely with to deliver your favourite events at Derby Arena. These include Derbyshire Institute of Sport, Derbyshire Constabulary, University of Derby, Tullio and East Midlands Adoption.

Peak power for a prize
Spectators can test their cycling peak power on a watt-bike (6 second test) for a chance to win prizes including free court activities, free 121 gym session, £10 credit to use in the Arena. For ages 12+.