THE world's top cyclists will be racing through the Cotswolds in this year's Tour of Britain.

The seventh and penultimate stage of Britain's premier road cycling event on September 9 will start in Hemel Hempstead, crossing Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire before passing through Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Winchcombe.

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain will finish in Cheltenham.

Andy Sanders from Cotswolds Tourism partnership said: “The Cotswolds is a superb place for visitors and cyclists of all abilities, offering wonderful countryside, attractions and plenty of cafes and pubs for refreshment. 

"The towns and picturesque villages along the route will be excited to welcome the race and we know it will generate lots of interest in cycling now and into the future.

"We are hoping that businesses and communities will engage in the event and it will showcase all the area has to offer”.

The Tour of Britain has passed through Gloucestershire during the 2014 and 2016 editions of the race, but this year, it is the first time it will finish in the county.

Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett said: “The OVO Energy Tour of Britain has passed through Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds on a number of occasions, but this will be the first stage to finish in the area. 

"The race will showcase the area’s beautiful scenery before finishing in the centre of the spa town of Cheltenham.

“On paper the stage may look deceptive, as there are a number of short climbs that as a similar stage in 2014 proved could upset the order of the General Classification and change the OVO Energy Green Jersey heading into the final stage.”

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain takes place between Sunday, September 3 and Sunday 10.