MANY of the world’s top cyclists will whizz through the streets of Stroud next month as the Tour of Britain passes through the green hills of the Five Valleys.

The route for stage five of British Cycling's premier road cycling event winds its way through Stroud town, Selsley and Dursley on Thursday, September 8.

Thousands are expected to line the streets with signs and flags to catch a glimpse of around 120 of the world’s top cycling athletes as they race across Gloucestershire on their way from Wales to Bath.

Cycling fans will also have a rare chance to spot competitors such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish as they hurtle through the town.

The route will pass through the Forest of Dean, past Gloucester and through Tuffley before it reaches the Stroud District.

As it crosses the border it will wind its way down through Edge to Pitchcombe just before 2pm before joining Painswick Road into Stroud.

From there it will pass local landmarks in Beeches Green, Merrywalks and Cainscross roundabout before passing along Cainscross Road to Dudbridge.

Turning left towards Selsley the cyclists will speed past Sainsbury’s before beginning the gruelling ascent of Selsley Hill.

Stroud News and Journal:

Passing the amazing views from the common, they will then race along the wooded section of the B4066 past Coalley Peak at around 2.15pm.

From here they will be treated to views out over the Severn and beyond to the Forest where they began the race hours before.

After that the route begins its descent through Uley before passing Dursley and on towards Yate before finishing in Bath by 3.30pm.

Three hours of the race will be broadcast live on ITV4.

Commenting on the route, 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.”

It is described by organisers as the UK’s ‘biggest professional cycle race’ and ‘largest free-to-spectate live sporting event’.

Roads in Stroud will be closed and diversions put in place on the day. More details to follow.