News that Britain’s premier cycle race is to come through Bradford on Avon has been welcomed this week as a huge boost for the town.

The world’s elite racers will pass through Bradford on September 12 for the sixth stage of the Tour of Britain, which was won last year by Sir Bradley Wiggins.

Bradford’s mayor John Potter, a cycling enthusiast and former Bath bike shop owner, can’t wait.

He said: “It will be spectacular and I’m sure we’ll welcome a cavalcade of riders, teams, sponsors and TV coverage.

“I’m sure Bradford on Avon will look really good on telly and I hope we get loads of people cheering them on.

“I hope everyone comes out and supports the riders and I just hope Sir Bradley will be there too.”

Caroline Phillpott, president of the Bradford on Avon Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the tour’s arrival. She said: “Anything which will get Bradford on Avon on the map and draw people into the town is superb. It will be wonderful for the town.”

Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon director Richard Craft, who has campaigned for more cycle paths in the town, is equally delighted.

He said: “Hopefully it will encourage a few more people to get on their bikes. “When I am in the centre of town I am surprised how many people I see on bikes.

“There are always a lot of young children out on balance bikes as well, and hopefully that’s the generation that will be inspired by the tour coming through.”

The Tour will start in Bath for stage six, and pass through Bradford before reaching Devizes, ending in Hemel Hempstead.