Some of the most iconic and stunning places in the Harrogate district will be the focus of the cycling world this weekend - including one of the most brutal climbs.

The hills round Pateley Bridge and villages round Ripon will feature prominently on Stage Four of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men on Saturday, September 5.

Running from Helmsley to Leyburn, the area is renowned for its challenging routes and passionate fans, with stage four expected to be a pivotal moment in deciding the 2026 General Classification winner as the riders take on the 170.5km with 2459m of ascent for the hardest stage of the 2026 Tour.

Starting in the market town of Helmsley, the stage will begin with a ceremonial roll-out at 11am, with the race proper starting 15 minutes later.

The hills round Pateley Bridge and villages round Ripon will feature prominently on Stage Four of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men on Saturday, September 5. (Picture Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — The hills round Pateley Bridge and villages round Ripon will feature prominently on Stage Four of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men on Saturday, September 5. (Picture Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

The peloton is expected to reach the finish line in Leyburn between 3pm and 3.45pm.

Perhaps, the section of Stage 4 which most fans are looking forward to seeing is one which had a starring role in the opening stage of the Tour de France when it came to Harrogate in 2014 - Greenhow Hill.

Riders will face a brutal Category 1 climb right out of Pateley Bridge up Greenhow Hill – 4km long at a 7.2% average gradient, with maximum grades hitting 16%.

Stage 4 timetable

After setting off from Helmsley at 11am approximately, the route will pass through Easingwold at 11.35am and Boroughbridge at about 11:55.

It will reach Ripon at noon approximately and then head into the Yorkshire Dales.

After arriving in Pateley Bridge at 12.45pm, the cyclists will face a brutal climb up Greenhow Hill towards Grassington at about 1.10pm.

Heading north, the challenges continue with Kidstones Pass (2.9km at 6.3% average gradient) at 1.35pm, taking the participants into Wensleydale and Aysgarth Falls at 1.50pm approximately.

Climbing over Greets Moss (4.4km at 6.9% average gradient), there is a descent into the village of Grinton at 2.10pm approximately.

After a loop around part of Wensleydale, there is one final incline towards the finish line in Leyburn at 3.10pm approximately.

For more information, visit: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/