45 scintillating images from Stage 2 finish line at Tour of Britain in Blackpool as race hit by major delay

Cycling fans gathered in Blackpool as Stage 2 of the Tour of Britain Women’s race reached its finish outside the Solaris Centre. Spectators lined the route to cheer on the athletes, while a free ‘festival of cycling’ also took place alongside the event.

Blackpool’s iconic Mirror Ball provided the backdrop for the finish of Stage 2 of the Tour of Britain Women on Thursday, August 20, as the elite cycling race welcomed some of Britain’s top female riders for a challenging 110.5km (68.7-mile) route starting in Clitheroe.

The stage was interrupted after a vehicle crashed ahead on the race route, blocking the road and forcing organisers to cancel the scheduled Nick O’ Pendle climb. Racers continued after the descent, with the stage ultimately finishing in Blackpool as fans gathered to watch the riders cross the line.

Road closures were in place across the Fylde coast as the cyclists headed through Elswick, Weeton, Great Plumpton, Lytham and St Annes before reaching a thrilling stage climax on Blackpool’s New South Promenade.

Nine of the world’s top 10 ranked teams and 13 World Tour squads battled it out during the North West stretch of the five-stage race, which began in the Lake District and finished in Leamington Spa.

Families, cyclists and spectators were also given the chance to enjoy traffic-free cycling in Blackpool during the week as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival took place alongside the professional race.

The free event was held at Solaris Park on Thursday, August 20, giving people the opportunity to ride on a closed-road circuit while some of the world’s best female cyclists competed in the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women.

Participants were able to complete as many or as few laps as they wished before watching the professionals race through Blackpool. The Family Cycling Festival is part of the wider Lloyds Tour of Britain professional cycle races and included a range of cycling-themed activities at the Fan Zones.

For spectators, the event also offered a chance to experience the atmosphere surrounding the race and cheer on the professional riders as they passed through the town.

Take a look through our gallery of images capturing the action.