Tour of Britain 2018 Betting Tips and Odds

William Kedjanyi

August 31st, 2018

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Quick Tip

• Bet Primoz Roglic to win the Tour of Britain at Ladbrokes

The Tour of Britain this year has been livened up by a great field including the British duo of Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome for Team Sky. Whilst the roads are much more difficult than they look on television, two stages ought to decide this race – the double header of stage five and six, with an uphill team time trial on the first day and then a summit finish afterwards.

The uphill team time trial could potentially see big gap so a strong team will be crucial and this tilts the balance in favour of Team Sky and Lotto-NL Jumbo. There are no prices yet, but Primoz Roglic shone brilliantly through the Tour de France and has decided to bypass the World Championship Time Trial to focus on the road stage.

That’s a signal of intent and if he doesn’t lose too much time in the uphill time trial then he can more than match Thomas and Froome on the summit finish of Whinlatter Pass, giving himself every single chance of taking yet another stage race success.

Stage 1, Sunday 2nd September: Pembrey Country Park to Newport, 175km

The last climb of Belmont Hill will be crucial, cresting just 8 kilometres from the finish. That could be enough to eject sprinters if raced hard enough whilst there will be counter attacks from the peloton after what has been a lumpy stage, so a reduced bunch sprint could be the most likely option here.

Stage 2, Monday 3rd September: Cranbrook to Barnstaple, 174km

Expect a harder day in the saddle and an even more reduced group at the finish line given the amount of climbing and descending before the run into Barnstaple. There’s a flat finish and run in, but the climb of Challacombe is steep and narrow enough to put plenty into trouble so this will be a hard day for all.

Stage 3, Tuesday 4th September: Bristol to Bristol, 125km

The tour returns to Bristol after a four year absence with a short and sharp 125km blast that is solely around the City. The terrain is very rolling from the star with a Criterium style feel, and the climb of Ashton Hill is sure to be an ideal late Launchpad.

Cheddar Gorge is the big climb of the day, although its position does not make it the most important. In 2014 Michal Kwiatkowski won stage four to take the race lead when he beat Albert Timer and Dylan Teuns, and a fast finisher who can carry themselves over the late climb will be in with a big chance.

Stage 4, Wednesday 5th September: Nuneaton to Royal Leamington Spa, 183km

Probably the most uncomplicated stage of the race despite the three climbs of Ilmington, Edge Hill, and Burton Dassett through the Cotswolds and this should end up being a big sprint in Leamington Spa.

Stage 5, Thursday 6th September: Cockermouth to Whinlatter Pass, Team Time Trial, 14km

The most fascinating stage of the race and perhaps the most important for cycling betting fans. You’ve heard of team time trials and mountainous time trial but the Tour of Britain is combining both elements to bring an uphill team time trial. Starting in Cockermouth, the teams will take on seven kilometres of rolling terrain before then taking on Whinlatter Pass, a climb that hits 20% in places. This will be a vital change to the overall standings and a strong team in climbing terms is worth its weight in gold.

Team Sky can expect to be at the forefront here but look for a big showing from Lotto NL-Jumbo and also Movistar too, in a race where many teams have brought squads that are built for power.

Stage 6, Friday 7th September: Barrow-in-Furness to Whinlatter Pass, 169km

The second of two stages that might well decide the race in a double header as the riders take on Whinlatter Pass again, this time with a summit finish after a stage that includes one other ascent. The tour is most likely to be won here.

Stage 7, Saturday 8th September: West Bridgford to Mansfield, 223km

Another sprint stage and the race’s longest stage, with the riders heading towards Mansfield from West Bridgford with a rolling terrain through the day but no significant climbs of note.

Stage 8, Sunday 9th September: The London Stage, 77km

The traditional closer, the London stage with 14 laps of the City that come to 77 kilometres. The race’s winner will have been decided by now ahead of the ceremonial final stage.