The 2016 Aviva Women’s Tour made its way into Banburyshire today (16/06/2016) for the Atherstone to Stratford-upon-Avon stage 2. The riders made their way past Kineton, Gaydon, through Avon Dassett, up Edge Hill before making their way to Stratford upon Avon via Shipston on Stour.

Many local spectators and cyclists including some members of the Banbury Star Cyclists Club made their way to Avon Dassett and to Edge Hill to encourage the riders as they sped past.

The Tour started on Wednesday 15 and will finish on Sunday 19 June and forms part of the new UCI Women’s WorldTour, which will be the leading worldwide series of races for professional women’s cyclists. As a result the race in 2016 is set to be bigger and better than ever as it takes it’s place as one of just 17 events making up the top level of women’s cycling.

Amy Pieters, the 25-year-old from Holland, eventually won a rainy photo-finish at Stratford-upon-Avon with last year’s champion Lisa Brennauer from Germany who came second.

Lizzie Armitstead, the 27-year old from Britain, who is preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, was classified in 18th place.

Results

1. Amy Pieters (Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling)
2. Lisa Brennauer (Canyon-SRAM)
3. Marianne Vos (Rabo-Liv)

Details can be found on the official webpage : www.womenstour.co.uk

Many thanks to Paul Dean for all the photos.‎

Emma Pooley, on her comeback to get into the GB Olympic team

The eye-achingly bright colours of Annalisa Cucinotta

Our very own Lydia Watts from Banbury Star Cyclists’ Club