THE opening stage of a major British cycling race, the Lloyd's Women's Tour of Britain 2026, began in Cockermouth on August 19. Riders cycled from Cockermouth through West Cumbria, visiting villages like Ullock and Asby, before returning via Workington, Flimby, and Allonby. Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours opened the event, calling it a 'grand cycle tour of wonderful west Cumbria.' Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer praised the crowds, noting the event was a highlight for the region. The Mayo Statue received a makeover for the occasion. Local triathlon club Tri Lakeland supported the riders, with 23-year-old member Lucy Dunlop emphasizing the event's importance for local communities. Cockermouth Town Council added quirky cycle-related displays, boosting local business, particularly Moon and Sixpence café, which saw increased foot traffic. The event was described as 'absolutely superb' and highlighted the town's growing visibility in cycling tourism. The stage served as a test for Cumberland ahead of the upcoming Tour de France next year.
E
Written by
Editorial Team
Staff writer covering breaking news, features, and long-form analysis for NewsLive. Tracking the stories that matter most.
Stay in the loop
Get the best stories
delivered weekly
Join thousands of readers who get our top stories in their inbox every week. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign InNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!