Tour of Britain 2022 on the Isle of Wight

Hosting the final stage of the Tour, Stage Eight, the Island will witness an undoubtedly frenetic finale, unfurling to the backdrop of a stunning coastline and rolling countryside hills.

The Isle of Wight is easily reached with Wightlink. We’re also the Tour of Britain’s Official Travel Partner, so sail away to the Island and put yourself at the heart of the action. We’ve made additional space for cyclists on our vehicle ferry routes and 15% off your ferry journey*.

Book today at wightlink.co.uk/observer

*offer terms and conditions apply, visit wightlink.co.uk/observer

1) What is the Tour of Britain?

A multi-stage cycling race on British roads, the Tour of Britain pits some of the best cyclists from across the world against one another in a battle of skill, fitness and teamwork. 20 teams made up of six riders will compete in the 2022 edition of the Tour, with the event kicking off in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in Scotland on 4 September. There are eight stages, played out over eight consecutive days, with the final stage taking place on the glorious Isle of Wight.

2) The Isle of Wight route

The Tour of Britain will take us around the entire Island, starting in Ryde. The course winds along the north east coast of the Island before tucking down towards the seaside town of Sandown. It then continues inland towards the west coast before flipping north through Yarmouth and past our ferry port. The race culminates with a steep climb up towards the Needles and Tennyson Down, where the winner will be decided. Visit wightlink.co.uk/observer for details on the full route.

3) Get up close and personal before the race

Before Stage Eight of the Tour commences, you’ll get the opportunity to mingle with the global cycling stars competing in the event. As the race teams prepare the bikes, you’ll be able to take selfies, ask for autographs and even check out the latest technology and equipment on show.

4) The race begins

The race will set off from the start line, following the race controller. Soon enough, they’ll reach the 0 kilometre mark, which is where the fun truly begins. There is often drama, with mechanical problems and even crashes helping create a frantic atmosphere that is truly unrivalled.

5) Sections

Every stage of the Tour, including the final stage on the Isle of Wight, is split up into different sections where riders can gain points. Popular sections include the SKODA King of the Mountains segment where riders battle steep inclines and intermediate spring sections where riders contest for points and time bonuses.

6) The final push

As riders head towards the end of the stage, the pace will get much faster as the main peloton attempts to catch those in the breakaway. Depending on the nature of the final few miles, you may find expert sprinters or seasoned hill climbers come to the front of the pack and try and win back some time on their rivals. There will of course be plenty of champagne and celebrations as winners are announced and presented with their prizes and jerseys.

7) Getting to the Isle of Wight

Here at Wightlink, we are the leading cross-Solent ferry operator, linking the Isle of Wight with Hampshire through three conveniently-located ferry routes. Crossing times start from just 22 minutes and we can drop you off right into the heart of the action in Ryde or, if you need to bring a vehicle along with your bike, our Fishbourne port is only a few minutes’ drive from the heart of the Tour of Britain action.

8) Travel with your bike to the Isle of Wight

Planning to take your bike along to the action? We recommend booking in advance on our vehicle ferry routes. It’s sure to be a busy event with many spectators travelling over from the mainland. We’ll be making additional space to accommodate cyclists on our Portsmouth – Fishbourne and Lymington – Yarmouth routes.

9) Set sail and save 15% on ferry travel*

Sail across the Solent to catch the thrilling action in our car ferries to Fishbourne or Yarmouth. Visit the link above, choose your travel dates and your 15% discount will be applied at checkout. Offer ends on 11 September, so don’t miss out.

Discover more events on the Isle of Wight at wightlink.co.uk/explorer