​North Yorkshire is set to host the fourth stage of the men’s Tour of Britain in 2026 on 5 September, with riders beginning in Helmsley and passing through Easingwold, Boroughbridge and Ripon before continuing into the Yorkshire Dales and finishing in Leyburn. The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has allocated funds through the Mayoral Community Grant scheme for towns and villages along the route to help mark the event. Elected mayor David Skaith said the race offers a major chance to create a lasting legacy. The North Yorkshire stage, scheduled for Saturday 5 September, is anticipated to draw large crowds and features about 8,860 feet (2,700 meters) of ascent, making it the toughest stage of the 2026 men’s race. The route was designed to showcase both the county’s varied terrain and its scenic backdrop to millions of TV viewers.
Town and parish councils along the route can apply for grants of up to £500 each, while larger awards of up to £2,000 will be available for host locations Helmsley and Leyburn, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The funds can be used for decorations, community events, or activities that unite residents on race day and highlight local identity for visitors along the route. Skaith noted that the grants would help communities celebrate this fantastic event, bring residents together, and showcase the distinctive character, hospitality, and pride of North Yorkshire towns and villages.
The route has been created in partnership with British Cycling and North Yorkshire Council, emphasizing a blend of challenging climbs and stunning scenery. Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, called it a marvelous opportunity for communities to come together and promote the county on a national and international stage. Representatives from the National Park sectors welcomed the news, with the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority highlighting the chance to display their landscapes to a global audience. You can hear highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds and catch up with the latest Look North episode. For more on the story, see the announced route for the 2026 Tour of Britain, full stage details for 2026, and related links to Tour of Britain, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.