Whitby and the North York Moors National Park included on Tour of Britain 2022 cycle race route

Whitby and the North York Moors National Park will welcome some of the world’s top cyclists in an unforgiving uphill route in the Tour of Britain 2022, which is returning to North Yorkshire for the first time in 13 years.
Charlie (left) and Harry Tanfield in front of Duncombe ParkCharlie (left) and Harry Tanfield in front of Duncombe Park
Charlie (left) and Harry Tanfield in front of Duncombe Park

Organisers have announced that stage four of the race on Wednesday, September 7, will take place between Redcar and Duncombe Park in Helmsley.

The route runs through the popular seaside town of Whitby before heading into the North York Moors National Park. The final 30km will feature the demanding climbs of Carlton Bank and Newgate Bank - both 2km long - before descending into the finish at Duncombe Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paul Thompson, Scarborough Borough Council director, said: “The return of a major competitive cycling race to our borough and the international interest that comes with it is fantastic news.

“We know we can count on the people of Whitby and the North York Moors National Park, and the area’s visitors, to give this exciting racing spectacle the biggest of Yorkshire welcomes.”

Brothers Harry and Charlie Tanfield from Great Ayton will be competing in this year’s Tour of Britain for Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling. They have both enjoyed medal-winning success in recent years and welcome the race returning to their home county.

This year is the first time Charlie has taken part in the Tour of Britain. He said: “As local riders it’ll be good to race through our local villages and see some friends and family on the route cheering us on. It’ll be massive for the area to put on a big race like this so it’s very exciting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s a hilly stage so one for the climbers but we will see what we can do. It’ll be a tough one for us to tackle. I don’t think there’s any better places in the UK for the race. It’s really quiet with beautiful scenery and good roads.”

Harry added: “We are very excited for the Tour of Britain to be coming to our local roads in North Yorkshire. We have been training abroad in the likes of Spain but, as summer approaches, why would you go anywhere else? Yorkshire is a great place to train and race as we have some of the best roads in the country, with both hilly and flat stretches.”

Karl Battersby, the County Council’s Corporate Director for Business and Environmental Services, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Tour of Britain which will get national and international TV coverage for North Yorkshire on some of the county’s most picturesque roads. The riders will certainly face some testing final climbs before the finish at Duncombe Park; one of Yorkshire's finest historic houses and estates.

“North Yorkshire’s communities have embraced major cycling events over the years, including the Tour de France Grand Départ and the Tour de Yorkshire and UCI Road World Championships. Once again we anticipate large crowds and we will be supporting everybody planning to welcome and celebrate the arrival of the race.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

James Hare, Duncombe Estate Manager, said: “The Estate is excited to be hosting a finish for a stage of the Tour of Britain 2022. We are anticipating a really exciting day with lots of spectators to watch the finish of this highly competitive and challenging stage of the race.

“As well as being home to the National Birds of Prey Centre, Duncombe Park adjoins the beautiful market town of Helmsley, which boasts shops, cafes, pubs, hotels and attractions.”

The Tour will visit the following regions:

Stage one - Sunday 4 September - Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Stage two - Monday 5 September - South of Scotland

Stage three - Tuesday 6 September - North East of England and Sunderland

Stage four - Wednesday 7 September - Redcar & Cleveland and North Yorkshire

Stage five - Thursday 8 September - Nottinghamshire

Stage six - Friday 9 September - Gloucestershire

Stage seven - Saturday 10 September - Dorset

Stage eight - Sunday 11 September - Isle of Wight

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director, said: “Creating a route that encourages aggressive racing and brave tactics from day one will enhance the reputation of the race, leave the one million plus spectators watching on in person for free with long-lasting memories, showcase the stunning beauty of our host venues, and repeatedly entertain a worldwide audience.”