'This is a big win for Derbyshire'

The route for the Tour de France Femmes through the Peak District has been confirmed as the world's best female cyclists prepare to navigate some of Derbyshire's steepest and trickiest hills next summer.

The event is set to attract big crowds as the county welcomes the second stage of the competition as riders travel from Manchester to Sheffield via some well-known routes.

The 154.4km stage will feature almost 3,000 metres of climbing as it journeys through Winnats Pass, a 1.4km climb with an average gradient of 12.3 per cent, and the 5.4km ascent of Snake Pass.

It will also pass through Calton Hill - aptly named Côte de Calton for the event - as well as the hamlet, Chunal - also renamed Côte de Chunal.

Hope and Ladybower Reservoir will also feature as sprint locations.

To allow the event to go ahead safely, people can expect road closures and traffic management systems when the pelaton passes through Derbyshire on Saturday, July 31.

Derbyshire County Council says it will be working closely with organisers to minimise disruption, adding that closures will be planned to minmise impacts on residents and businesses.

The council has also encouraged those living in the towns and villages where the pelaton will pass through to get involved by:

• organising local celebrations and events
• decorating streets, schools and community spaces
• creating cycling-themed displays and activities
• welcoming visitors and spectators to your area
• showcasing local culture, heritage and community spirit

Volunteering opportunities will also become available in the build-up to the event.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Alan Graves, said: “This is a big win for Derbyshire. The best female cyclists in the world are coming here, and they’ll face climbs that local riders know only too well.

“Winnats Pass and Snake Pass will test anyone. With sprints at Hope and Ladybower, people can watch world-class sport without leaving the county.

“A global TV audience will see Derbyshire at its best. That brings visitors, and visitors bring money into our pubs, cafés and B&Bs. If it gets a few more people on a bike, even better.

“I won’t pretend there’s no disruption. Roads will close and some businesses will feel it on the day. We’re working with partners and communities now so there are no surprises, and we’ll keep people updated as plans firm up.”

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France director, added: “Just a few weeks apart, the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will each take their respective pelotons on a journey through the roads of the United Kingdom.

"Along with what we anticipate will be a warm and massive welcome for the champions, Great Britain also offers us a symbol that further ties the two races together.

"From the start on 2 July at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, which will be the northernmost in the history of the Tour, to a team time trial in London on 1 August, which will undoubtedly bring to mind the one where the champions battled it out twenty years earlier, nearly 900 kilometers will be covered.

"Needless to say, there will be thousands of thrills and emotions.”