Stage 2 preview
Stoke-on-Trent circuit
Stage 2 of the Tour of Britain takes the race to Stoke-on-Trent, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The city is a conurbation of six towns: Burslem, Tunstall, Stoke-upon-Trent, Hanley, Fenton and Longton, and stage 2 will pass through all of them. The stage is also 100 miles long in honour of the centenary.
Stage 2's first point of interest is the hot spot sprint at Stone after 14 miles. The route then passes around Uttoxeter and Rocester before reaching hillier terrain. The first climb comes after 40 miles at Ramshorn, which is followed by more lumpy terrain until the category one drag up to Hollinsclough Moor.
After a sharp descent to Tittesworth Reservoir, the riders will tackle Gun Hill, another category one climb at 67 miles. The day's second sprint is at Leek after 71.5 miles, then it's a hilly ride back to the finish with the last intermediate sprint at Wedgwood (93.3 miles). The stage finish is on Broad Street in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
US Cyclocross Nationals: Eric Brunner goes solo to secure third elite men's title
In a battle between collegiate racers, Ivan Sippy takes second and Brody McDonald third in final race of event -
US Cyclocross Nationals: Pan American cyclocross champion Lizzy Gunsalus holds off Katherine Sarkisov to win elite women's title
U23 Sarkisov sisters chose to race elites, with both ending up on the podium as Alyssa Sarkisov takes third -
US Cyclocross Nationals: Ethan Brown races to solo win, secures men’s junior 17–18
Matthew Crabbe takes silver as Noah Scholnick fades to third place -
'It was certainly not the easiest course to open my winter' - Mathieu van der Poel overcomes early crash on cyclocross return
Seven-time world champion blames lack of preparation for technical mistakes




