Warwick Burton Dassett

You may recognise the roads on this stage from the Women’s Tour in June. Host county Warwickshire is getting its money’s worth by using largely the same route for the men’s race. After the start in Warwick, the riders will pass through the University of Warwick, Kenilworth and Meriden. The name of this sleepy village in the heart of England may not ring any bells, but it is the home of the National Cyclists’ Memorial, which commemorates riders who lost their lives in two World Wars. After this, the riders will climb Sun Rising Hill before beginning two 12-km loops of Burton Dassett and Farnborough that will include three ascents – including the finish – of a challenging 1.7km, 4.9 per cent average gradient climb. Brit Matt Holmes of Madison-Genesis was first to crest this climb during last year’s Warwickshire stage, which ended in Leamington Spa with André Greipel winning a bunch sprint.

Director’s notes

Andy Hawes: This is pretty much a carbon copy of the Women’s Tour in June, give or take the opening 30km. We categorise a climb – Friz Hill – that was uncategorised in the women’s race, and it’s a long straight one that could really stretch things out. That signals what’s going to happen for the next 50km, it’s up and down all the way to the finish. The women’s race had breakaways from the gun so it will be very interesting to see how the men tackle it. The final climb is reasonably narrow and the crowds are higher than the road, so it should be a wall of noise and will be incredible for riders and fans alike.