Tour of Britain cancels final three stages following death of Queen Elizabeth II

Published September 8, 2022 02:00PM

The organizers of the Tour of Britain have taken the decision to cancel the final three stages of the race following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The news from the race organizers was sent out late on Thursday evening after the British royal family confirmed the death of the 96-year-old.

Stage 6 of the Tour of Britain was set to take place between Tewkesbury and Gloucester and it was initially announced that only Friday’s stage would not go ahead. The race organizers stated at the time that a decision on stages 7 and 8 would be made on Friday morning. However a second statement was released less than two hours later confirming that the entire race would end immediately. The news means that Gonzalo Serrano (Movistar Team) wins the 2022 edition of the race.

“Further to the earlier statement in relation to the cancellation of stage six as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, the organisers of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain can additionally confirm that stages seven (Dorset) and eight (Isle of Wight) will not take place,” the statement read.

“This decision has been taken in consultation with stakeholders and partners in light of operational circumstances, including the understandable reassignment of police resource at this time. Therefore, the final standings will be taken following the conclusion of stage five on Thursday 8 September. The winner of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain 2022 will be Gonzalo Serrano (Movistar Team). Additionally, the respective classification leaders – Tom Pidcock (Dodl by AJ Bell points), Mathijs Paasschens (ŠKODA King of the Mountains) and Matthew Teggart (Sportsbreaks.com Sprints) – will also be declared the winners of those competitions.”

“The Tour of Britain organisation, alongside the teams, riders and officials involved in the event, send their deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.”

A host of sporting events in England and the rest of the United Kingdom are set to be called off or postponed over the coming days. Several British soccer teams played European matches on Thursday afternoon and evening.