Preview: Tour of Britain stage 1
Preview: Tour of Britain stage 1
Ipswich - Norfolk Showground
We’re not entirely sure why, but it seems apt that the first and longest stage of this year’s Tour of Britain is sponsored by a beer company. The 2012 Grand Depart will take the riders 200km across Suffolk and Norfolk – starting on the waterfront at Ipswich before heading up to Southwold, the home of brewers Adnams.
Before the riders can even think about a cheeky half they’ll have enjoyed an early sharpener with a sprint after just half-an-hour of riding at Melton and two Skoda King of the Mountains climbs. Okay, this is East Anglia so Alps are in short supply but the category 3 climbs on the first stage will go someway to proving that this neck of the woods isn’t completely flat. Predictions? It’s a long, largely flat stage, which could mean attacks and breakaways en route, but we reckon they’ll be chased down by the sprinters’ teams.
Mildly interesting stage fact off of the Internet
Great Yarmouth, setting for the second Yodel sprint of the day, is said to be home to Britain’s oldest surviving civic building – The Tollhouse.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
€17,500 Colnago Steelnovo road bike celebrates the brand’s 70th anniversary
Spec includes Columbus tubing, 3D-printed invisible lugs and custom Super Record Wireless groupset -
Black Friday cycling clothing deals: The best deals on riding gear from trusted brands
The best Black Friday cycling clothing deals, plus a roundup of brands that offer great value for money -
Cycling transfers – All the latest news and announcements for the 2025 season
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTour -
'Get back on your feet, then on the bike' - Marta Cavalli to restart her career with DSM-Firmenich PostNL
Italian climber hopes to recover to best form after two injury-hit seasons as FDJ-Suez