"Breaking News: Barker & Deignan's Inclusion in GB's Tour of Britain Women Team!"

 Barker & Deignan in Great Britain's Tour of Britain Women team

A combined picture of Elinor Barker and Lizzie Deignan

Olympic medalists Elinor Barker and Lizzie Deignan will lead Great Britain's six-person team for this year's Tour of Britain Women.

Deignan, aged 35, and Barker, aged 29, will be accompanied by Elynor Backstedt, Anna Henderson, Millie Couzens, and Flora Perkins.

Wales will host the initial two stages of the race, commencing on 6 June, with the event concluding in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on 9 June.

Unveiling Barker & Deignan in GB's Tour of Britain Women Team!

Welsh cyclist Barker, who secured gold in the women's team pursuit at the Rio Games in 2016, expressed her excitement about racing on home turf, deeming it "incredibly special."

The seven-time world track champion further stated, "The energy and support from the crowds are unmatched. I am particularly thrilled that two of the stages will be held in Wales on iconic roads, promising a challenging and competitive race."

The inaugural edition under the race's new name - previously known solely as the Women's Tour - will kick off in Welshpool, with stage one concluding in Llandudno.

Teams will pass through Wrexham on the second day, while the third stage will commence in Warrington before the race wraps up in Greater Manchester.

The Women's Tour was canceled in 2023 due to insufficient funding.

Deignan, who clinched silver at the London Olympics in 2012, secured victories in the Women’s Tour in 2016 and 2019. She recently expressed gratitude to British Cycling for reviving the event "against all odds."