Thousands line the route for Women's Tour in Northamptonshire

This is the third year the international women’s cycling race has taken place in Northamptonshire, starting once again in Northampton and returning to Kettering Market Place for the finish.

This year’s route took in south Northamptonshire, Daventry, Guilsborough, Naseby, Desborough and Rothwell, with dramatic sprints through Bugbrooke and Desborough and challenging climbs at Newnham Hill and Naseby.

The county stage was won by Finnish Road Race champion Lotta Lepisto riding for Cervelo Bigla, while the overall winner of the five-stage 2016 Aviva Women’s Tour was British rider Lizzie Armitstead riding for Boels Dolmans.

Cllr Heather Smith, leader of Northamptonshire County Council, which has brought the Aviva Women’s Tour to Northamptonshire, said: “This is the third year that we’ve been lucky enough to host a stage of the race and I really believe that this year has been the best yet.

“It’s wonderful to see the thousands of people lining to streets to cheer on the riders and it creates a fantastic sense of excitement.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the race organisers SweetSpot for yet another phenomenal Women’s Tour and to all of our sponsors and partners for helping the make the day such a success.

“Cycling really is on the up at the moment and I hope people will feel inspired by these world-class athletes to get on their bikes and enjoy cycling for themselves.”

Anyone who has been inspired by today’s Aviva Women’s Tour can take on part of the route in the Tour Ride Northamptonshire which takes place next month.

Starting and finishing from Delapre Abbey on Sunday, July 17, the Tour Ride Northamptonshire will offer riders a choice of 40 and 80-mile routes, as well as a 10-mile fun ride route for families.

For more information and to sign-up visit www.tourride.co.uk

To find out more about today’s Aviva Women’s Tour and further cycling opportunities in Northamptonshire by visiting www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/womenstour.