- Sun 3 May 2026
10:00
Age 13 & over
£38
- 60 km road cycling + 850 m ascent
Event overview
Choose from four epic distances and push your limits across Greater Manchester’s toughest climbs and scenic lanes, supported by passionate locals, ace feed stops and proper Northern spirit.
From the lively start to the post-ride knees-up, this sportive packs in atmosphere, camaraderie and challenge, giving every rider a standout day on the bike.
In the home of the industrial revolution, the Tour de Manc is a cycling revolution. The longer routes now go further south and east with fewer urban roads and more countryside cycling.
The Tour de Manc does things the Mancunian Way and even though the Tour de France finishes in Paris with the Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower and the River Seine, this ride has got Piccadilly Gardens, Beetham Tower and the Ship Canal.
Highlights
- Four routes: 60km, 100km, 165km and 201km
- Classic Northern climbs and scenic lanes across Greater Manchester
- Friendly atmosphere with brilliant volunteer support
- Well-stocked feed stations and great on-route nutrition
- Post-ride celebration with proper food and beer
- A welcoming challenge for riders chasing distance, pace or personal milestones
This event is part of Tour de Manc.
Event photos
- Average fitness
- Event village
- Gravel bike
- Hybrid bike
- Mountain bike
- Newcomers
- Road bike
- Spectators
- Superfit
- Teams
Ability level
You need to select a route that suits your level of fitness and training. The Mad Manc and Classic Manc routes pose significant challenges and you will need to have a good level of fitness to complete these.
Navigation not required
The routes will be clearly marked with hundreds of directional arrows. They are placed at all turns, and occasionally along straight roads for reassurance. You can also download the route onto your GPS device.
Easy team entry
You can set up a team when registering for your ride and send the details to your friends who can join the team.
- Circular route
- Cut off time
- Distance markers
- First aid
- Food stations
- Hilly
- Marshals
- Navigation not required
- Sweeper
- Toilets
- Water stations
- Way markers
Overview
Ride an undulating route to Shaw, climb Buckstones Road to Grains Bar, descend to Delph, then tackle a steady ascent to Saddleworth before traversing moorland to Newhey and returning via Rochdale and Heywood.
Route description
- Head directly out towards Oldham, Saddleworth and Rochdale on the two shorter rides.
- Follow an undulating route to Shaw, reaching your first big test of Buckstones Road all the way up to Grains Bar.
- Ride onto new roads before enjoying a thrilling descent down Grains Road to Delph.
- Continue to the Diggle roundabout, then tackle a long, steady climb to the feed station at the stately Saddleworth Hotel, where you can enjoy great food (including scones), coffee and superb views.
- Depart the Saddleworth Hotel and traverse the moor to Newhey.
- Drop down into Rochdale, then head southwest towards Heywood.
- Return home via Bamford Road.
Map
Cut off
You must be back at Bowlee by 5.45pm.
Feed stations
- Northern Quarter – Saddleworth Hotel
- Free parking
- Toilets
Event HQ
Bowlee Community Park
Heywood Old Road
Middleton
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M24 4LX
UK
Car park
The car park closes at 6.30pm.
- Cycling jersey
- Goody bag
- Medal
- Race photo
Included
- Pre-event rider pack with ride number, wristband (route-coded) and parking pass
- Clearly signed routes and route cards, with all major intersections marshalled
- Downloadable GPS files for navigation
- Multiple feed/aid stations with free food and drink (vegan and gluten-free options available on request)
- Mechanical support at some feed stations and access to mobile mechanics (subject to availability)
- Full volunteer support, signage, first aid and emergency contact cover
- Finisher’s medal for all riders
- Free post-ride photos
- A post-ride “freebie bag”
Optional extra
- Tour de Manc jersey
- Age 13 & over
- 1300 places
- Entries open
- Enter online
Entry fees
Entry fee
£38.00
Other races at event
- Sun 3 May 2026
- #2 of 4
09:30
Age 13 & over
£48
- 100 km road cycling + 1550 m ascent
- Sun 3 May 2026
- #3 of 4
07:30
Age 16 & over
£48
- 165 km road cycling + 2150 m ascent
- Sun 3 May 2026
- #4 of 4
07:00
Age 16 & over
£48
- 201 km road cycling + 3060 m ascent