CUMBRIA is gearing up to welcome some of the world's best cyclists when the Tour of Britain pedals its way through the county.

The second stage of the race, which takes place on Monday September 5, starts in Carlisle, passes through Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere and Bowness and finishes at the top of Beast Banks in Kendal.

RELATED ARTICLE: Cumbria's Tour of Britain stage launched


Tour of Britain launch at Brockhole, Windermere. Spectators are being encouraged to cheer on the riders, with popular viewing points likely to include the sprint section in Grasmere, where time bonuses will be available for the Yodel Sprints Jersey, the SKODA King of the Mountains climb up The Struggle, and in Kendal town centre for the exciting conclusion.

The 117-mile stage has been planned to showcase the county's flood recovery work from Storm Desmond such as the newly-reopened section of the A591 at Dunmail Raise and the temporary bridge at Pooley Bridge.

Councillor Chris Hogg, culture and well-being portfolio holder at South Lakeland District Council, said: "It is wonderful to have the Tour of Britain return to South Lakeland.

"I am sure this will provide a significant boost to the local economy and inspire people to get cycling."

Key points and approximate timings in South Lakeland

2.06pm-2.45pm – A591 riders approaching Grasmere

2.13pm-2.54pm – Yodel Sprint – Broadgate/Church Stile, Grasmere

2.18pm-3pm – A591 Rydal

2.20pm-3.03pm – Arrive Ambleside

2.21pm-3.04pm – Start of King of the Mountains – The Struggle, Ambleside

2.28pm-3.12pm – Finish of King of the Mountains – Kirkstone Inn, Kirkstone Pass

2.37pm-3.23pm – Rayrigg Road, Windermere

2.39pm-3.25pm – A592/Promenade, Bowness

2.41pm-3.27pm – Longtail Hill, Bowness

2.47pm-3.36pm – B5284 Crook

2.52pm-3.41pm – Windermere Road, Kendal

2.54pm-3.44pm – Stricklandgate/Highgate, Kendal

2.55pm-3.45pm – Stage Finish – Beast Banks, Kendal

NB: Earlier time refers to expected times for lead riders, later time for when most riders are expected to have passed.

What to expect

This year's event will feature 20 of the world's top cycle teams, including Team Sky.

Spectators planning to attend the stage finish in Kendal will find plenty to do in the town while they wait for the race to arrive, with a 'promo village' featuring the stands of race sponsors close to the finish line at Beast Banks and other stalls and activities centred around Market Place.

There will be big screens broadcasting the race in Ambleside and Kendal Town Hall during the afternoon.

Residents are being advised that the visit of the Tour will require some rolling road closures along the route and in Kendal some full road closures around the finish location.

RELATED ARTICLE: Resurfacing work to shut roads at night in Grasmere

This means roads on the race route will be temporarily shut to traffic for approximately one hour before, during and after the race has gone through but will be reopened as soon as possible.

International exposure

The Tour of Britain visited Cumbria in 2013, finishing in Kendal, and the county received an estimated £4.1m economic benefit from the race.

TV coverage of the 2013 stage showcased Cumbria to 166 countries around the world, with the event watched live by 1.56 million people across Europe on Eurosport.

An average of 435,000 British viewers watched the second stage live on ITV4, with the highlights programme later in the day recording the highest viewing figures of all the eight stages and an average reach of 696,000 viewers.

Mick Bennett, race director for the Tour of Britain said: "This year's Tour of Britain will be a great opportunity for the people of Cumbria to showcase their county and the beautiful scenery while at the same time providing a stern test for the riders in what will be a challenging stage.

"The route has been designed to take in many of the communities affected by the flooding, while at the same time incorporating iconic climbs like The Struggle, so we can't wait to see the Cumbrian crowds lining the route."