HUNDREDS of spectators are expected to line the streets of Prestwich and Whitefield to set eyes on Olympic gold medalist Bradley Wiggins.

The cyclist beat the world's elite to win the 4,000m pursuit final in Athens.

But, instead of chilling out and relaxing from his triumph, Wiggins will be speeding through Prestwich with the Tour of Britain cycle race next Wednesday (Sept 1) .

The tour, which kicks off at Sport City in Manchester, is a five stage race around the country and will be Wiggin's first cycling appearance since his victory.

The first stage will travel from Manchester to Blackpool, and back again, in a 120-mile trip passing through Bury both ways.

Several of the world's leading cycling teams are taking part in the event which returns after a five-year absence.

The format has been designed to mirror its famous French counterpart and many of the participating riders will have competed in Le Tour.

Councillor Mike Connolly, Bury Council's executive member for environment and transport, said: "We are delighted to welcome the tour to Bury and hope that residents will come out to show their support along the route and maybe be inspired to become the next Lance Armstrong, or at least start cycling to the shops!"

The council is reassuring motorists to expect only slight delays as police impose temporary road blocks for several minutes for the cyclists to pass through.

The competitors can first be spotted cycling through Prestwich along Bury New Road at approximately 10.40am. They will travel through Whitefield, up the A56 Manchester Road, and reach Bury Town Hall at 10.50am. They will then continue up Brandlesholme Road, through Longsight Road and Bolton Road West, to Ramsbottom at approximately 11.05am.

The riders will face a gruelling climb out of the borough up The Rake and Helmshore Road as they battle for the Kings of the Mountain's title.

On the return leg, the cyclists will re-enter the borough via the B6213 near Tottington at 2.55pm before reaching Bury Bridge at the A58/A56 at 3pm. The first stage of the 500-mile race will end travelling back through Prestwich, via Bury New Road, reaching the Urbis, in Manchester, at 3.15pm.