Lloyds Tour of Britain Women: Lancashire closures on 20 August

Stage two of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women arrives in Lancashire on Thursday, 20 August, bringing elite cycling and temporary road closures to communities between Clitheroe and Blackpool. Riders will leave Clitheroe at 11:30am and are scheduled to finish beside Blackpool’s Mirror Ball at about 2:50pm.

The event is free to watch and open to the general public. Lancashire County Council’s notice does not list a booking process, public transport plan, accessibility arrangements or food and stall details.

This will be the first time the women’s race has passed through Lancashire. Professional cyclists will cover more than 70 miles of the county’s towns and villages before the closing sprint on Blackpool’s New South Promenade.

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The route from Clitheroe to Blackpool

After leaving Clitheroe, the race will pass through Chatburn, Grindleton, Sawley, Bolton-by-Bowland, Tosside, Slaidburn, Newton-in-Bowland and Waddington. It then returns through southern Clitheroe before continuing to Pendleton, Sabden, Whalley, Hurst Green, Ribchester and Longridge.

The later section takes riders through Goosnargh, Woodplumpton, Catforth, Inskip with Sowerby, Elswick, Greenhalgh with Thistleton, Singleton, Weeton with Preese and Westby with Plumptons. From Lytham St Annes, the route runs towards the finish beside Blackpool’s Mirror Ball.

Readers planning a viewing point can also consult this Lancashire stage overview alongside the council’s estimated closure windows.

Estimated rolling closure times

The published times are indicative because this is a live race. Most roads are expected to be affected for around 30 to 40 minutes, although individual closures may remain in place longer if the event schedule changes.

Roads requiring the most advance planning

The Clitheroe start area has the longest fixed closure period, affecting roads including Woone Lane, Moor Lane, Castle Gate, Castle Street, Market Place, York Street, King Lane, Wellgate, King Street and Chatburn Road from 9am.

Near the end of the route, affected roads in Lytham St Annes include Park View Road, Station Road, East Beach, Central Beach, West Beach, Clifton Drive and Squires Gate Lane. Blackpool’s finish is on New South Promenade.

Drivers are being asked to allow extra time and plan journeys around the rolling closures. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout the race, while stewards will preserve pedestrian access to Clitheroe Grammar School for students collecting GCSE results.

Source: Lancashire County Council News