Askey wins first stage of Tour of Britain in Lincoln as riders prepare for Boston to Skegness leg

Great Britain's Lewis Askey triumphed in a thrilling finish on the first stage of the Tour of Britain in Lincoln this afternoon to take the leader's jersey.

It was a gruelling finish up the steep Michaelgate for Askey and the chasing pack, who will now be preparing for tomorrow's Boston to Skegness stage two.

Riders take part in the first stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race in Lincoln, eastern England on September 2, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)

placeholder image — Riders take part in the first stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race in Lincoln, eastern England on September 2, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)

World gravel racing champion Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) sparked the finish action as he burst away from his rivals before the steep ascent of Michaelgate.

But tiredness quickly caught up with him as Askey powered past him and over the finish line for his first win of the season, first ever Tour of Britain win and third career race victory.

He was cheered home by large crowds packed into Lincoln centre, despite the rain.

Filippo Ganna (Netcompany Ineos) was second, two seconds down, and Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) third with an exhausted Vermeersch finally finishing down in seventh.

Askey had initially set up a 12-man break which formed on the second of four 13km finishing laps around the start and finish city of Lincoln, leading the group which contested the finish.

With their lead over a four-man chase group more than 1:30 on the last lap, the group began attacking each other, though no one was able to go clear.