Stage three of the 20th edition of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race will challenge riders with a demanding 166 kilometre (103-mile) route from Sheffield to Barnsley.

South Yorkshire's most iconic and challenging climbs, putting the 18 competing teams to the test, and offering both riders and fans an exhilarating day of racing.

South Yorkshire has a strong, long-standing cycling tradition, having hosted prestigious races like a Tour de France stage finish in 2014 and four stages of the Tour de Yorkshire between 2016 and 2019. Barnsley and Sheffield, in particular, have been key players in the cycling scene, hosting multiple stages of these events and consistently welcoming rounds of the Lloyds Bank National Circuit Series.

Want to experience the thrill of stage three up close? We've handpicked the top spots to catch all the action and cheer on the riders as they tackle the region’s challenging terrain.

Start

Stage three will commence in Sheffield, a city not visited by the race since 2006. Starting in the city centre, fans will be able to watch the preparations of teams on Tudor Square outside of the Crucible Theatre from 09:30, with all the riders being presented to the crowd team-by-team on the podium on Arundel Gate from 09:50, ahead of the stage start at 11:00.

King of the Mountains

Following two tough days of climbing, stage three won’t provide any respite for our riders with a gruelling ascent of over 2,200 metres, including three categorised King of the Mountains climbs, to contend. Whilst this might be a challenge for the peloton, fans will have the opportunity to see the world’s best riders tackle challenging ascents with a backdrop of stunning views of the Peak District and South Yorkshire.

The first King of the Mountains climb, Long Lane above Loxley, is a 2.6 kilometre ascent averaging almost 5.7%, with the riders due to top the climb at approximately 11:39. The village is a short distance as the crow flies from the race start and is set in the hills and greenery of Sheffield.

A short descent following Long Lane will take our riders on to the second climb at Jawbone Hill. This 1.6 kilometre climb averaging 9.9% was featured in the second stage of 2014 Tour de France and will be a mental and physical test. Fans can expect the riders to summit the climb at roughly 11:46.

The final categorised climb of the stage comes agonisingly close to the finish following a series of short climbs culminating at Hound Hill, a 1.4-kilometre ascent to Worsbrough Common averaging 5.6%. The summit of the climb, just four kilometres from the finish, is expected to play a crucial role in determining the stage winner so this could be a brilliant place to watch the action unfold on the run into the finish.

Intermediate Sprints

After the initial two climbs, the stage will settle down as it passes through Chapeltown, Wath upon Dearne, Swinton, and Maltby. Fans can watch the sole intermediate sprint in the picturesque market town of Tickhill, about 70 kilometres into the race, as the riders battle for valuable points.

Riders are expected to pass through Tickhill at approximately 12:55, before heading towards Doncaster, passing through Conisbrough and Denaby then taking a loop around the northern part of Barnsley, traversing Royston and Darton.

Finish

Barnsley will host the finish of the stage on County Way at The Seam, Barnsley’s digital campus, coming at the end of an 800 metre drag along Old Mill Lane, averaging a 7% incline

Alongside the finish line will be the fan zone with food, drink and entertainment, including a big screen for spectators in Barnsley to follow all of the action via the ITV4 coverage, while enjoying the events on offer. For those riding to the event on two wheels, secure bike parking is available.

How else can I watch the action?

For fans eager to see the cycling superstars compete live at the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, exclusive premium hospitality packages are now available through Sportive Breaks here.

If you can’t make it to see the action in South Yorkshire in person, live flag to flag coverage will be available on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK, and around the world via other broadcasters, as well as a live stream on the British Cycling YouTube channel.