THE sprints and the king-of-the-mountains sections of the second stage of the Aviva Tour of Britain, which will be held in East Lancashire, have been revealed.

The YodelDirect Sprints and Skoda King of the Mountains sections will form some of the most exciting parts of this year’s race.

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The race will take place in the Ribble Valley and Pendle on Monday, September 7, and is being hosted jointly by the two borough councils. Elite cyclists from all over the world will come to the area and battle to take first place along the dramatic route.

The second stage includes three YodelDirect Sprints and three Skoda King of the Mountains sections, where riders crossing the line first will receive points for the jerseys. The stage features climbs at the Nick o’ Pendle dropping down into Sabden which is followed by a climb up Stoney Bank Road in Earby and finally in Barley heading towards Downham.

The first of the sprints is in Salesbury’s Ribchester Road, followed by Skipton Road in Barnoldswick and finally Chatburn Road, Clitheroe.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that we can now reveal the confirmed route.

“The YodelDirect Sprints and Skoda King of the Mountains offer some of the most exciting places to watch the race — so get your place early. We are now picking up the pace as the race gets closer to ensure that everything is in place for British cycling’s premier road-cycling event.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase our countryside as well as give a boost to local businesses which we hope will reap the benefits from the extra footfall the race will attract.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stuart Hirst said: “The Tour of Britain attracts a huge following, as well as an international television audience, so is the ideal showcase for the borough’s many attractions.

“The Skoda King of the Mountains and YodelDirect Sprints will take the Tour across the Ribble Valley and Pendle, offering cycling enthusiasts in neighbouring boroughs the opportunity to witness one of the country’s biggest sporting events on their doorstep.

“We are excited the Tour is coming to Ribble Valley. We hope everyone will get behind it and help to make it a fantastic event.”

Cllr David Whipp, chairman of Pendle’s Tour of Britain working group, said: “A lot of work has gone into making sure that we have the best route possible. I hope the sprint in Barnoldswick, next to the Rolls-Royce Leisure Centre on Skipton Road, will be a popular vantage point for spectators.”