The biggest Lloyds Tour of Britain Women brought world-class women's cycling into Powys and created more opportunities for people to watch, experience and engage with elite sport.
Nearly a quarter of a million people watched the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women on the official YouTube channel across the five-stage event. This figure is five times higher than the 2025 edition, showing the accelerated growth, ambition and reach of women's sport in the UK.
After an unforgettable week on the road, the sporting spectacle not only reached a large and new audiences on television and online, but thousands of people lined the streets across the country, connecting communities with the joy of cycling and bringing an elite event to their doorstep.
The women's race – one of the most prestigious on the WorldTour calendar – featured nine of the world's top ten ranked teams with some of the world's best riders battling out for the jerseys. It was also the first time the women's event has had parity with the men's race in number of stages. Viewers tuned in over five incredible stages, including a whole stage in Powys, which Lorena Wiebes won.
Councillor Glyn Preston, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, went to watch the race finish in Hay-on-Wye and said,
“What a fantastic way to showcase our county on the national stage and on live TV as well. The riders set off this morning in Llanidloes at 11am. The streets were filled, and I know a huge number of people have enjoyed it across the day.
“It really feels like today has been a sign of things to come with the Tour de France Stage Three Grand Départ coming to Powys next year, so we're really excited for that as well. I hope we continue to see locals and visitors taking to the road to enjoy our wonderful scenery, while keeping fit, on bikes.”
Darren Henry, Managing Director of British Cycling Ventures, said,
“At such an exciting time for women's sport, it was fantastic to see some of the best riders in the world racing on British roads. It was equally encouraging to see the audience for the race continue to grow, with our live YouTube viewership more than five times higher than last year.
“Reinforced through the coverage across our broadcast partners ITV and TNT Sports, and through our growing network of international broadcast partners, the 2026 edition has taken the Tour to fans around the world.
“When we took on the Tour in 2023, we had a clear ambition to grow the women's race and ensure parity with the men's event. Expanding from four to five days this year means both races will now take place over five stages, an important milestone for the Tour and one we're really proud to have achieved.”
