[custom_adv] The race typically draws in large crowds – riders routinely comment on the impressive number of spectators that line the route, more so than other UCI Women’s WorldTour events overseas. [custom_adv] The result is a fantastic atmosphere that we know the riders appreciate just as much as the fans do. [custom_adv] The route has been announced – with a Suffolk start, and a finish in Colwyn Bay, Wales. [custom_adv] Having skipped the Suffolk stage in 2017, the race returns to an area which has played host to every other edition since its inaugural year – and we’re expecting a sprint finish stage. [custom_adv] There’s only one classified climb, in Christchurch Park, before the peloton loops back through the start for the second of two intermediate sprints. [custom_adv] The longest stage of the race, this will be another undulating day. There’s two classified climbs, within 12km of each other, and featuring ramps approaching 20 per cent. [custom_adv] Following the tip of Burton Dassett, there’s 26km to the finish line in Leamington – and it remains to be seen if the sprinters will be close enough the front of the race to contest this one or not. [custom_adv] The Queen stage has been saved until last, with this hilly 122km being the first mountainous day in the race’s history. Winding through the Snowdonia National Park, there’s two categorised climbs – Bwlch-y-maen and Nant Gwyant.