Children who cycle to school to lead out Lloyds Tour of Britain Women race in Leamington

Around 100 people will be at the start in Pump Room Gardens representing the 12 Warwickshire ‘bike buses’ - in which adult volunteers ride protectively around children on their way to school.

Simon Storey, Bicycle Mayor of Warwick District and founder of social enterprise Cycle Infinity, said a small group of primary school children, who take part in the weekly bike buses to their school,will answer questions on the stage where the podiums will be.

He added: “We will then move to the start line and ‘roll out’ ahead of the riders in procession along the course for a short distance before the women start racing.

“As with all our Bicycle Buses there will be music, bubbles, lots of chants and enthusiasm galore”.

Simon said that when he found out that the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women was coming to Leamington, he knew it was a great opportunity to put the bicycle bus movement he has created in front of a wide audience to highlight the benefits.

“Thankfully, the teams working on this within the town, district and county councils and British Cycling agreed, and I am very thankful for that”, he added.

Simon has established 12 bike buses to 14 schools in Warwickshire, plus routes in other parts of the UK.

He is due to start his 19th bike bus initiative later this year in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Earlier this year, all of the county’s Bicycle Bus groups were commended by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire Susan Rasmussen, and Simon was recently awarded a Changemaker award.

Susan said that through Cycling Infinity, Simon has “continued to remove barriers to cycling by providing training, confidence-building, maintenance workshops and inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities”.

She added: “His growing Bicycle Bus movement continues to inspire healthier lifestyles, safety journeys and stronger communities across Warwickshire”

Beth Perdue, who was inspired by Simon to set up the Brookhurst Primary School bike bus in Leamington, said: “Being part of the bike bus overcomes lack of skills and confidence about riding on roads.

“All the kids love cycling with their friends, listening to the disco music we ride to, and waving to everyone they see”.

Charlotte Sharpe, a ride leader with Kineton C of E Primary School bike bus in Stratford District, says “it’s a great way to start a Friday morning, a really positive feeling”.

Charlotte said cycling is part of her sons’ lives now.

She said: “They will get on their bikes now, they’ll go cycling.

“It's a good habit to ingrain when they're younger.”

Meanwhile, the experience has given her “a huge confidence boost, a lease of life” for Charlotte, who was inspired to get back into cycling herself when the bike bus started up.

One hundred and fourteen riders representing 19 teams and 24 countries will race through Leamington for the final stage of Lloyds Tour of Britain Women 2026.

The event comes a year after the longest, 116 mile stage of the men’s Lloyds Tour of Britain was held in Warwickshire, to wide acclaim.