CYCLISTS will be taking to the streets to compete in the Tour of Britain which will pass through Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire next month.

Hundreds of the country’s top cyclists will take part in the race which will come in to the region on Wednesday, September 10.

Among them will be Sir Bradley Wiggins who is looking to defend his title after winning the Tour of Britain last year.

Stage four of the race will come down to Wotton-under-Edge before passing through Charfield, heading into Cromhall and then onto Rangeworthy.

It will then pass Iron Acton and Frampton Cotterell before heading into Winterbourne and then on to Bristol, where the stage will finish.

The stage will get under way at 11am in Worcester and is expected to pass through Wotton-under-Edge at around 2.20pm before heading towards Bristol.

Race director Mick Bennett said: "The route will again showcase some fantastic scenery, and combine major British cities with charming and picturesque towns and villages, as well as testing climbs, all of which will make for a memorable tour.

"Every year we get a very positive response from teams wishing to ride the Friends Life Tour of Britain and this year that has been even more so the case.

"Not only do we have a very strong line-up of teams, half of whom raced in the Tour de France, we are confident that they will be bringing their best possible squads, meaning fans can look forward to seeing the world's top riders, some exciting racing and maybe a few surprises this September.”

British Cycling's cycle sport director Jonny Clay said: "This year's Tour of Britain is set to be the biggest and best yet.

"It will not only deliver on every level for cycling fans, giving them the opportunity to see the best teams and riders in the world competing on their door step but it is also a great day out for people of all ages.

"Watching the race from the roadside is free, allowing thousands of spectators to get caught up in the excitement of the event passing through their city, town or village."

Twenty teams will be taking part in this year’s Tour of Britain including four of the top five ranked squads in the world.

The race will come to its dramatic conclusion with both an individual time trial and an 8.8 kilometre circuit race in London on Sunday, September 14.