EXICTEMENT is building ahead of the Tour of Britain cycling race, which visits the Cotswolds next month.

The seventh and penultimate stage of this year’s race is taking place on Saturday, September 9 from Tewkesbury and Gloucester, with riders set to pass through Cirencester and Tetbury along the 170.9km route.

Riders will go through Bishops Cleeve, Winchcombe, Cirencester, Tetbury, Chipping Sodbury, Yate, Dursley, and Stroud.

This is the same route that was originally scheduled to feature in last year’s Tour of Britain which was cancelled due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The seventh stage of race will commence at Church Street in Tewkesbury next Saturday at 11am and is estimated to finish at Southgate Street in Gloucester between 2.54pm and 3.43pm.

Fans can visit both the start and finish locations by taking a £2 bus from Tewkesbury to Gloucester.

Riders are expected to pass through Cirencester at about 12.30pm, and reach Tetbury at around 1.04pm.

Depending on conditions and the speed of the race, the actual times could be up to 10-15 minutes earlier or later. 

Most of the race will operate a rolling road closure, meaning roads will only be closed for around 30 minutes while the race passes through.

Full road closures will be in operation at the start in Tewkesbury and the finish in Gloucester.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring the Tour of Britain and world-class cyclists to Gloucestershire.

"This route will showcase what is so great about Gloucestershire, passing through the Cotswolds and Stroud on its way from Tewkesbury to Gloucester. 

"Events like the Tour of Britain are key to helping our economy thrive and showcase, to a significant international audience, all that Gloucestershire has to offer.” 

Councillor Claire Young, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, added: “We are excited to welcome the Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire this September. 

"The event is a great way to bring communities together to spectate as the riders pass through our countryside, towns and villages and will also showcase our wonderful area to its global audience of millions. 

"The excitement of the race has the potential to inspire more people to get out on their bikes in the local area, and enjoy the benefits of cycling and travelling sustainably.”

More information is available at tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-seven/