Lloyds Tour of Britain Women in Lancashire: Thursday closure guide

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women comes to Lancashire on Thursday 20 August, with stage two starting in Clitheroe at 11:30am and finishing beside Blackpool’s Mirror Ball at about 2:50pm. The free spectator event is open to the general public and covers more than 70 miles of towns and villages.

Lancashire County Council has published estimated road closure windows for the live race. Most roads will be affected for around 30 to 40 minutes, although restrictions may last slightly longer if the race schedule changes. The council notice gives no booking process or dedicated transport, parking or accessibility arrangements.

From Clitheroe’s start line to the Blackpool seafront

Some of the world’s leading professional cyclists will leave Clitheroe before heading through the Ribble Valley and across Lancashire. The route includes Chatburn, Grindleton, Bolton-by-Bowland, Slaidburn, Waddington, Whalley, Ribchester, Longridge and Goosnargh.

The race then moves through communities including Woodplumpton, Catforth, Inskip with Sowerby, Elswick, Singleton and Weeton before reaching Lytham St Annes. Riders will make the final approach along the coast for a sprint beside Blackpool’s Mirror Ball.

It is the first time the women’s race has passed through Lancashire. Those following the wider event can also find details of the free cycling trophy display in Cockermouth on 19 August.

Estimated road closure times along the route

The windows below are indications rather than fixed reopening times. Residents, spectators and drivers should allow extra time because stewards may need to extend restrictions while the riders and race vehicles pass.

Restrictions around the Clitheroe start cover roads including Woone Lane, Moor Lane, Castle Gate, Castle Street, Market Place, York Street, Wellgate, King Street and Chatburn Road. At the other end of the stage, riders will reach Blackpool via New South Promenade.

Spectators and drivers should plan around a moving closure

The rolling system means roads will close as the race approaches and reopen after riders and support vehicles have passed. Anyone travelling across the route should check their intended location against the estimated window and leave additional time rather than relying on a precise reopening minute.

Emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout the event. Lancashire County Council leader Stephen Atkinson said the closures were needed to protect riders and spectators, and urged visitors to plan ahead.

Thursday also coincides with GCSE results day. Stewards will maintain pedestrian access into Clitheroe Grammar School for students collecting their results while restrictions are operating around the start area.

Source: Lancashire County Council News