West Cumbria brought to life with 'absolutely superb' Women's Tour of Britain 2026

THE opening stage of a major British cycling race, the Lloyd’s Women’s Tour of Britain 2026, began in Cockermouth on August 19. The event drew large crowds along the West Cumbrian coast, with riders starting and finishing in the town. The route included cycling across West Cumbria’s coastal villages—such as Ullock and Asby—before returning via Workington, Flimby, and Allonby. Cockermouth was packed with spectators, with the main street, Cockermouth Main, reportedly so crowded that riders couldn’t see the end. Local leaders praised the event’s impact, with Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer calling it 'absolutely superb' and noting the enthusiasm in smaller villages like Whitehaven. The event also featured a makeover of the Mayo Statue and local support from Tri Lakeland, a triathlon club, which cheered on the riders. Lucy Dunlop, a 23-year-old member, highlighted the event’s significance for local communities, especially for women in sport. Cockermouth Town Council contributed quirky cycle-related displays, and local businesses like Moon and Sixpence saw a boost in trade, with queues forming outside the café. Owner Stephen Kidd noted that the event brought visitors to the town, enhancing its visibility. The first stage was described as a 'grand cycle tour of wonderful West Cumbria,' with organizers emphasizing its importance as a precursor to the 'once-in-a-generation' Tour de France in 2027. The event was celebrated as a local celebration but also set the stage for broader cycling tourism in the region.