A STAR cyclist has been confirmed to be taking part in this year's Tour of Britain cycling extravaganza.

The city will take centre stage on Sunday, September 10, when it hosts the start of the final stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain before taking in Pershore, Upton-upon-Severn and the Malvern Hills at British Camp, and heading to Cardiff.

It is now official that Mark Cavendish will lead Team Dimension Data in the tour, as the 10-time stage winner in the race makes his comeback from injury after fracturing his scapula on Stage Four of the Tour de France.

Worcester first managed to secure a section of the race in 2014, boosting Worcestershire's economy by £1 million amid the melee to see Britain’s best cyclists in action.

The city has also previously hosted starts of the race in 2007 and 2008.

Last time more than 75,000 spectators lined the streets.

The event runs from this Sunday, September 3 to September 10.

Mick Bennett, its race director, said: "Worcester has always provided the OVO Energy Tour of Britain with a warm welcome and large crowds, and we are sure that will be no different this September."