Guardian Sport reports that the Tour of Britain will begin in Lincoln on Wednesday amid renewed scrutiny of safety arrangements in professional cycling. The race organisers say rider safety is a priority and that the event is run under the UCI’s road racing regulations. Those arrangements include local authorities, emergency services, commissaires, police and event partners, while the race uses rolling road closures. That system has faced criticism since Fin Tarling died last month after his cycle collided with a non-race vehicle during the Volta a Portugal. The police investigation into Tarling’s death remains ongoing.
Concerns were heightened when Maeve Plouffe, racing in the women’s Tour of Britain, reported a near-miss under the same type of road-closure system. Plouffe, who was 27, said vehicles from the general public approached from several directions while she was less than two minutes behind the race convoy, including one that nearly struck her on a roundabout. Adam Hansen, president of the CPA professional rider association, has also questioned the effectiveness of rolling road closures. Tarling’s former team, NSN Cycling, is expected to attend the opening stage with Ethan Vernon, one of Tarling’s closest friends and an Olympic medallist. A minute’s applause is expected in Lincoln on Wednesday in tribute to Tarling.
The Tour of Britain will travel through Yorkshire and the Scottish Borders before Sunday’s finish in Earlston. The route includes racing from Boston to Skegness and a stage beginning in Hull and ending in Beverley. Tom Pidcock, who paid an emotional tribute to Tarling’s family after winning the World Mountain Bike title in Italy, will not ride the British race. Pidcock is instead preparing for the world championships in Canada through warm-up races in Montreal and Quebec. The field includes Ben Wiggins, the 21-year-old son of Sir Bradley, as well as World Tour riders Olav Kooij, Filippo Ganna and Tim Merlier.
UAE Emirates XRG will be among the leading teams, while the event also marks a five-day 2026 edition after four days of racing last year. Organisers hope the longer race will increase interest as preparations continue for next year’s event.