MANY of the world's top cyclists will pass through Worcester when the city hosts a stage of the prestigious Tour of Britain.

The city will host the third stage of the race on Wednesday, September 12.

The West Midlands Stage will start in the centre of Worcester and pass through Kidderminster before finishing in Wolverhampton.

Cyclists will be in Worcester from the evening of Tuesday, September 11, having completed a tough ride through Somerset Derek Prodger, Cabinet Member for Environment at Worcestershire County Council said: "The Tour of Britain is one of the UK's premier sporting events and it was with great pleasure that I heard Worcestershire will be part of this year's tour. The event will provide an excellent backdrop to showcase our countryside, towns and people.

"I also hope that the Tour will encourage people to try incorporating cycling into their everyday lives and think twice for using their cars for short journeys."

Worcester City Council leader Simon Geraghty added: "It is great news that Worcester will host a stage of the tour.

"It links in with the city and county's commitment to sustainable travel and will raise the national profile of Worcester and also of cycling within the city."