SOME of the world's top women cyclists will pass through the North Cotswolds for the first time ever.

Around 100 of the world’s best racers, including Olympic gold medal winner Lizzie Armitstead, will compete in the second stage of the world leading Aviva Women’s Tour.

They will tackle a 140-kilometre route, mostly passing through the Warwickshire countryside but also making forays through north Gloucestershire, passing Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh.

Cllr Chris Hancock, cabinet member for enterprise and partnerships at Cotswold District Council, said: "This is a real bonus for the North Cotswolds and we are very grateful to Warwickshire County Council who have made this all possible.

"The Aviva Women's Tour is a truly prestigious event and I am sure that many residents and visitors will be excited at the prospect of seeing the competitors up close. The race should also provide a boost for local traders, especially those involved in the tourism and hospitality sector.”

World Road Race champion Lizzie Armitstead, of the Boels Dolmans, team, said: "It's fantastic news that the Aviva Women's Tour will continue in 2016.

"As a British rider it's a privilege to be able to compete on home roads; the British public have really taken to cycling and you can see that when the race goes through different towns the community really gets behind it.

"I'm excited to see the growth in women's cycling and I think the Women's Tour has had a really positive impact on that change.”