It has not been easy for British Cycling to resurrect the race so quickly, but it comes in part thanks to a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Lloyds Bank, which is said to be “one of the biggest in British sport”, according to Dutton.
There is little doubt this time around they have called in a few favours from the contacts book who have faithfully held stages of the race in recent years – stretching as it does across Wales and over into north-west England.
The really harsh climbs occur on the first two days across Wales, including Llangynog’s imposing category one test near Snowdonia, and Llangollen’s Horseshoe Pass, on the way back to Wrexham.
“For me, personally, I am particularly excited that two of the stages will be hosted in Wales on some iconic roads,” adds Cardiff-born Barker. “It will undoubtedly make for a challenging and competitive race.”
The remaining roads around the Peak District near Manchester and Warrington will be no less demanding on the legs, as the stress increases for those intent on making an impression on Olympic selection.
Great Britain team:
Elynor Backstedt
Elinor Barker
Millie Couzens
Lizzie Deignan
Anna Henderson
Flora Perkins
Stages:
Stage 1 – Thursday, 6 June 2024: Welshpool to Llandudno
Stage 2 – Friday, 7 June 2024: Wrexham to Wrexham
Stage 3 – Saturday, 8 June 2024: Warrington to Warrington
Stage 4 – Sunday, 9 June 2024: Greater Manchester: National Cycling Centre to Leigh
RankDriverNumberTeamFastest LapLaps11Lando NorrisNOR44McLaren1:33.9031:33.9036622Charles LeclercLEC1616Ferrari1:34.0391:34.0397733Lance StrollSTR1818Aston Marti
Nottingham Forest are hoping to one day turn the City Ground into a 50,000-seat stadium, says Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis.The expansion would go beyond Fores
Emi Martinez, Aston Villa, keeper, £5m - home to WolvesClean sheets have been so hard to predict this season. Gameweek four saw six of them from the 10 games,
New York’s defence dominated the New England Patriots as quarterback Aaron Rodgers steered them to a 24-3 home win.Rodgers, playing at MetLife Stadium for the