CYCLING fans in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire will have the chance to see some of the world's top riders when the Tour of Britain comes to the region later this year.

The Gazette understands that the route will include Nympsfield, Wotton-under-Edge, Charfield and Iron Acton on stage four from Worcester to Bristol on Wednesday, September 10.

Great Britain Olympic hero Bradley Wiggins won the race last year, which also featured 25-time Tour De France stage winner Mark Cavendish.

The organisers of the race, which sees riders race across the country for a week in eight stages, have confirmed that the riders will be going through Cheltenham and Stroud before heading towards Bristol but specific details of the route are not yet available.

It has been upgraded to 2.HC status and will include first time visits to both Bristol and Brighton, as well as a summit finish on The Tumble in South Wales.

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."

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."

For the first time since 2008 Liverpool will host the tour with the final stage taking place in London.

An 18-team line up is planned for the 2014 event and so far nine top level teams have confirmed they will be joining a Great Britain national squad in the race for the coveted yellow jersey.

The battle will go down to the final day in central London, with both an individual time trial and a circuit race taking place on an iconic 8.8-kilometre circuit.