Thousands including Geraint the dog cheer on Tour of Britain cyclists

The first stage of the 2026 Tour of Britain men's cycling race started in Lincolnshire earlier.

Riders set off from Lincoln and raced through towns and villages including Market Rasen, Rothwell, Caistor, Waddingham and Burton before returning to the city centre.

They covered a total of about 113.4 miles (182.5km) with an elevation of 4,570ft (1,393m).

According to Lincolnshire County Council, about 8,000 spectators turned out to cheer the competitors in Lincoln, with mini events and celebrations held along the route.

The race began with a neutralised start at Castle Square, where riders travelled through the opening section at a controlled speed before the official racing got under way on Wragby Road at about 10:45 BST.

Hundreds of people also stayed to watch the race at the tour village at Lincoln Castle.

Cycling enthusiast Grey Gilbey said: "I think it's fantastic. Lincoln has got a huge history of cycling events and we've got the iconic Michaelgate.

"It's good for the area, its good for the region and for the businesses, but it's also a good lift at the end of the summer, as well."

Alexei, 10, said: "There are quite a lot of crowds. To see it, you have to push through a bit."

Ada, also 10, added: "It was quite exciting. I was holding a sign so my mum had to hold the cowbells."

Along the route on the way out of the city centre, Geraint the dog, who is named after cyclist Geraint Thomas, was among those cheering on the riders with his owners.

Richard Rushby said: "We've loved coming to watch this. We've seen the Tour de France five times, so it's fantastic."

After making their way out of the city centre, the peloton then headed out into the Lincolnshire Wolds towards Market Rasen.

Councillor Stephen Bunney said: "It's a boost for everybody in the town.

"To get a national event here just gives that great lift up to what we are here in rural Lincolnshire."

Organisations such as community space Grange Hub Cafe celebrated the occasion by decorating bikes and holding an event for customers.

Supervisor and local councillor Alison Kitchin said she hoped the event would help showcase what the town had to offer.

"It's massive for the whole area, for the Wolds, not just for Market Rasen. Hopefully, everyone else will be embracing them."

Hundreds lined the streets of Caistor, where the town had been preparing in advance to welcome the cyclists.

Volunteers had hosted a competition for the best cycling-themed shop, home or garden display, which was decided by TV personality and former motorbike racer Guy Martin.

About 40 donated bikes painted in the colours of the county's flag were also placed along the route, with Lincolnshire-themed treats and live music keeping crowds entertained.

Jim Togher, who organised a lot of the celebrations, said he was "elated" and "emotional".

"Watching the race come through and [seeing] everybody that excited, kids screaming and cowbells and whistles... it was amazing," he added.

After the cyclists had gone past, David Wildman added that his "heart was still pumping from watching them".

"They came past so fast, it was like a blur," he said.

Residents lined the streets in Burton village as the cyclists whizzed past as part of five laps around Lincoln at the end of the race.

South Carlton District Peddlers had ridden to see the first part at North Willingham, and then stopped off in Burton to watch at a later stage.

Sarah Buckley said: "It's just such a whoosh when they come past, the whole lot of them. It's just amazing."

As part of each of the final five laps of the city, cyclists had to ride up Michaelgate - a cobbled street with a gradient of up to 20%.

Sue Frost was watching from behind the barrier with her family and friends, and said she had cycled up the gruelling hill several times in the past.

"The burn is in your chest and your heart feels like it's right up here in your throat. It's a great feeling.

"It's great to see it in Lincoln, it's fabulous for the city to see people going up on the cobbles. It's brought loads of people out, and thank goodness the rain has held off!"

British cyclist Lewis Askey, who rides for the NSN Cycling Team, won the first stage of the race.

The second stage will officially get under way in Boston tomorrow, at about 10:45.

Additional reporting by Karl Bird, Harry Parkhill and Amanda White.

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