Community organisations across West Cumbria are gearing up for the arrival of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women 2026 after securing grant funding to deliver projects that promote cycling, bring communities together and celebrate one of the UK's most prestigious sporting events.
Cumberland Council has awarded more than £31,600 through its Community Grants programme to support a range of engagement and participation activities linked to the race, which will pass through communities across West Cumbria on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
The funding is helping local organisations create projects that encourage participation, promote cycling, support women and girls to get active and help communities make the most of the opportunities presented by hosting a major national sporting event.
The opening stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women 2026 will start and finish in Cockermouth.
The race will start at around 11am and is expected to finish around 3pm. The race will travel through Asby, Whitehaven, Lowca, Workington, Flimby, Maryport, Allonby, Silloth, Wigton, Caldbeck and Aspatria before returning to the market town.
A total of 12 organisations from across West Cumbria have received funding to deliver activities and events linked to the race. The successful projects include cycling activities for women, girls, young people and older residents, bike maintenance training, inclusive cycling opportunities, community performances and creative initiatives designed to animate communities along the race route and build excitement ahead of race day.
Among the organisations receiving support are community groups, charities, parish and town councils, youth organisations and sports clubs. The projects will take place in communities across the route, helping local people get involved in the event while encouraging longer-term participation in cycling and other wellbeing activities.
The 2026 race will be the longest in the event's history, covering almost 650 kilometres across five stages and bringing national attention to Cumberland and the wider region.
Funded projects are expected to be completed by 30 October 2026 and will help create a lasting legacy from the event by encouraging participation, promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthening community connections.
A full list of funded organisations is available below:
Watchtree Nature Reserve
Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project
Always Another Way
Lakes Gravel Gang
South Whitehaven Youth Project
Wigton Town Council
Cumbria Cerebral Palsy
Drum Nation
Silloth Rugby Club
Amy's Care
Cockermouth Town Council
Allonby Parish Council
More information about the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women 2026 and the full route is available at www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/women/route.