Women's Tour expands with sixth day for 2019
British Cycling rejected a request for seven days in 2016 but the race has now grown to incorporate one more stage
The OVO Energy Women's Tour will expand next year to feature six stages - a boost from the five days fans have enjoyed in previous years.
Organisers, the SweetSpot Group which is also behind the men's Tour of Britain, say that the 2014 launched event will continue to form part of the UCI Women's WorldTour in 2019.
The event matches the prize fund offered at the eight day men's race, having been more than doubled for 2018.
This year's edition, won by Coryn Rivera (Sunweb) over Marianne Vos (WaowDeals), brought 14 of the world's top 15 teams to Britain, with a field of 120 riders including Olympic, world, commonwealth and european champions.
The organiser applied for an extension to seven days back in 2016, but confirmed that the request was rejected by British Cycling, despite indications that the UCI was happy to approve the extension.
>>> Amateur riders complete the Tour de France in search of parity for female cyclists
The minutes from British Cycling's board meeting on June 29 state: "It was agreed that the preference would be for the event to remain at five days as it fits with the UCI objective to have a strong calendar of five day Women’s events."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Commenting on the successful extension for 2019, Race Director Mick Bennett said: "We are delighted to have been granted a sixth day of racing for the OVO Energy Women’s Tour to build upon the success of the first five editions. Teams and riders have been asking us to extend the event and to broaden the range of stages, which the flexibility of a sixth day will enable us to do."
Heath Harvey, Chief Executive of SweetSpot Group, added: "We have worked closely with British Cycling and the UCI to grow the OVO Energy Women’s Tour in a sustainable fashion and after the success shown by the first five editions it is only right that the event can visibly grow.
"We are immensely proud that Britain is at the forefront of the growth in women’s cycling and the addition of a sixth stage will enable us to take the event to more people than ever before, to showcase women’s sport and inspire more people to be active and get on their bikes."
British Cycling's Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, welcomed the additional race day - saying: "This is fantastic news, both for the event and for women’s cycling as a whole. We have been very open about our determination to close our sport’s historic gender gap, and this is yet another step towards that."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
-
Milan-San Remo addition will 'raise the level even higher' in women’s cycling, says Kasia Niewiadoma
'It's really motivating to see that in just one season, everything can change' says Tour de France Femmes winner as she reflects on a year of success on the road
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Who designs a professional rider’s national champion jersey?
The story of Israel-Premier Tech’s Michael Woods and his retro-inspired Canadian jersey
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
Shortened Tour of Britain Women added to UCI's 2024 calendar
Four-day event added to calendar in spot previously held by the Women’s Tour
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan: 'It’s a shame someone can’t see the value of the Women’s Tour'
The Women’s Tour’s only double winner expresses her disappointment after the cancellation of the 2023 race
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Women’s Tour axed for 2023 due to lack of cash
Long term future of the standard setting British race remains uncertain after fruitless search for financial backing
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Women’s Tour fundraising campaign receives public backing from Alastair Campbell
Tony Blair's former comms director highlights major role played by race in growth of women’s cycling
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Three weeks to save the Women’s Tour as organiser launches crowdfunding campaign
Race is looking for £100,000 to fill funding hole
By Vern Pitt Published
-
Women’s Tour down to five stages as organiser makes plea for sponsors
Race organiser SweetSpot says event "urgently requires additional commercial income"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tour of Britain set for Welsh climax in 2023
Race organisers announce partnership for the national tour and Women’s Tour to visit the Principality until 2026
By Owen Rogers Last updated
-
Despite giving up sprinting for signs third place earns Longo Borghini Women’s Tour victory
The Italian champion finished third in the bunch sprint in Oxford earning enough bonus seconds to take the overall
By Owen Rogers Published