DORSET will play a starring role in the Tour of Britain this year, when the cycle race hits the county.

The county will host the penultimate stage of the race on Saturday September 10 as the eight-stage event works its way down from Aberdeenshire to the Isle of Wight.

More than 100 of the world’s best riders will compete, with a large crowd comprising both local residents and cycling fans expected to turn out for the free event.

While it may be the modern race’s first visit to Dorset, the county welcomed the Milk Race on multiple occasions during the 1970s and 1980s.

The full route for stage seven, including the start and finish locations, will be revealed in due course.

 Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “Announcing the locations of the Tour of Britain stages is always a day I look forward to greatly, as I know how much people want to watch the race from their own doorsteps.

“It is always exciting to be taking the Tour of Britain to new regions, so to have our first Dorset stage this September is truly one to look forward to, and we look forward to showcasing the beautiful countryside and spectacular coastline to our global audience.”

 Councillor Ray Bryan, from Dorset Council said: “I am delighted that we’re working with Tour of Britain to host the penultimate stage of their fantastic cycle race. Events such as these support our local economy by attracting visitors, providing entertainment for our residents and helping raise Dorset’s profile nationally. We will share details of what’s happening on our road network as the race approaches, and I look forward to cheering on all the competitors later in the year.”

 This year’s Tour of Britain will visit the following regions:   

Stage one       Sunday 4 September              Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Stage two       Monday 5 September             South of Scotland

Stage three    Tuesday 6 September            North East of England and Sunderland

Stage four      Wednesday 7 September       Redcar & Cleveland and North Yorkshire

Stage five       Thursday 8 September           Nottinghamshire Stage six        Friday 9 September                Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire

Stage seven   Saturday 10 September          Dorset

Stage eight    Sunday 11 September            Isle of Wight

Last year’s star-studded race was won by Belgian rider Wout van Aert (Team Jumbo – Visma), with reigning world road race champion Julian Alaphilippe finishing third overall.

A roadside crowd of over one million spectators resulted in the Tour of Britain generating £29.96m of net economic benefit for the UK economy, according to research by Frontline.

The race is a finalist in the Sporting Event of the Year category at the Event Production Awards, which takes place in London next Thursday.