A schedule has been announced for the Tour of Britain cycle race stage taking place in Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire.

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men cycle race will hold stage 3 of its 2025 event on 4 September, with the event starting in Central Milton Keynes and run through to Ampthill in Central Bedfordshire.

Stage three of the Tour will get underway from Midsummer Boulevard, next to Milton Keynes Theatre and MK Gallery, at 11:30.

Spectators can find activities and entertainment from 9.30am onwards, including stunts, free bike checks from Trek and Dr Bike, and the opportunity to decorate your bike for free with artist Kerry Lemon. Visitors can also receive information about women’s bike rides and community bike clubs running in the city and take part in pedal powered fun tasks. 

The race uses what’s known as ‘rolling road closures’, whereby roads will close for a short period when the race passes through. The organisers have said this is to minimise any dangers to athletes, officials, spectators and local people. 

After leaving Midsummer Boulevard, the route will take a course through Marlborough Gate, Silbury Boulevard, Overgate, Childs Way (H6), Marlborough Street (V8), Chaffron Way (H7), Brickhill Street (V10), Station Road, Woburn Sands Road, Bow Brickhill Road, The Leys, Hardwick Road and Woburn Road before heading into Central Bedfordshire 

The route will enter Central Bedfordshire via Woburn and Aspley Heath, before then continuing by heading south past Toddington, through Barton-le-Clay, then across to Broom and circle Old Warden, before continuing past Haynes, on its way to what is predicted to be a sprint finish to the line on Woburn Street in Ampthill.

Coverage of the race will be broadcast on ITV and TNT Sport. Daily highlights will also be broadcast on ITV4 and ITVX after the conclusion of the event.

One noted athlete confirmed as participating is Tour de France, Olympic and World champion Geraint Thomas, in what will be his final act of competitive racing before he retires.

MK City Council have confirmed that spectators are welcome along the route wherever it is safe to watch, with the Council expecting that many local people will be getting a front row view to cheer on the world-class cyclists as they pass by businesses and schools as well as homes. 

Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Lauren Townsend, said, “In just over two weeks we’ll be welcoming brilliant teams and dedicated fans to Milton Keynes for the return of the Lloyds Tour of Britain. Do come and join us on the day to cheer on these world-class athletes, soak up the atmosphere, and make the most of the free activities on Midsummer Boulevard.”