Women’s Tour Awarded Top Classification

The Women’s Tour has been awarded 2.1 status by the UCI, the sport’s governing body, for its 2014 launch – the highest level of category awarded to any international women’s event, meaning the very best female athletes in the world will take their place on the start line. 

The race will take place between 7th and 11th May, with the opening stage being held in Northamptonshire.

The Women’s Tour will be organised by SweetSpot Group, who also organise and promote the men’s Tour of Britain. Director Guy Elliott said of the announcement: ‘We are absolutely delighted that the UCI have awarded us 2.1 status for this exciting new event.’

‘Our first stage, including the Grand Depart, will be based entirely in Northamptonshire, which is a fantastic county for racing and will the first time that Northamptonshire has hosted a major Tour. The stage will be a challenging test for all riders on a beautiful and challenging route of opening day of the race, with plans to pass through many of the county’s towns and villages.’

‘We are particularly pleased about Northamptonshire’s plans to use the event to promote women’s sport in its widest context to young people.’

Deputy leader for Northamptonshire County Council Councillor Heather Smith added: ‘This is fantastic news for Northamptonshire and I am very pleased that we will be hosting the first stage of this prestigious event.’

‘Not only will The Women’s Tour bring significant economic benefits to the county, it is also a real opportunity to promote cycling and women’s sport locally.’ 

‘We want to use this event to encourage everyone in Northamptonshire, and in particular the county’s young people, to get cycling and improve their health and wellbeing. This will be a very exciting event for Northamptonshire and will herald the start of a summer of sporting events across the whole county that everyone can look forward to.’