SOME of the world’s best cyclists will pass through Stroud late this year as the 2016 Tour of Britain returns to Gloucestershire.

The biggest road cycling event in the UK will head through the county on Thursday, September 8 after missing out last year.

Stage five of the Tour will pass through the Gloucestershire on its way from Aberdare in South Wales to the stage finish in Bath.

Stroud is just one of the areas which has been included in the route, including the Forest of Dean, Gloucester and Dursley.

In 2014 the country’s cycling heroes like Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish rode through the district, drawing thousands of cheering fans out to line the streets.

Details of the exact route will be announced during the early summer.

Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett said: "In 2014 the Tour of Britain passed briefly through Gloucestershire with great crowds lining the route, and we hope to see the same again this time.

“The stage will pass through the beautiful Forest of Dean and Gloucester for the first time ever, while a number of communities like Cinderford, Stroud and Dursley can also look forward to welcoming Britain's biggest professional cycle race."

The Tour of Britain starts in Glasgow on Sunday September 4 and finishes in the heart of London on Sunday September 11.

Cumbria, Cheshire and Wales will all host stages, in addition to three days of racing in the South West of England in Gloucestershire and Bath, Devon and a penultimate stage circuit race in Bristol.

Jonny Clay, British Cycling director of cycle sport and membership, said: "Every year the Tour of Britain offers a chance for the public to see some of the world's best road riders racing through their local area.

“Last year's race had a bit of everything; fast flat sections, rolling roads and a great hill top finish which led to exciting racing for the competitors and fans alike.

"This year's route has all the same ingredients, so promises to be a great event."