The final stage of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women cycling race got under way in Greater Manchester this morning (June 9). The major international race is being hosted in city-region with the biggest names in women's cycling taking part in the event.
The 99 km-long route, featuring 1,615m of elevation, will go from the National Cycling Centre in Eastlands to Leigh. The race started at 11.15am, crossing the Ashton Canal and going through the likes of Oldham, Delph, Shaw, Rochdale and Horwich.
At 2.72km long with an average gradient of 5.5 per cent, the Delph to Grains Bar climb features 23km into the route and lies among the Pennines.
Riders then face a fast descent through Edenfield before taking on the formidable 'Ramsbottom Rake'. READ MORE: Parklife 2024: Hour-by-hour weather forecast for Heaton Park on Sunday While less than a kilometre in length, the Ramsbottom Rake has a steep average gradient of 9.9 per cent.
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