THOUSANDS of people are expected to turn out for one of the biggest sporting events East Lancashire has ever seen.

With less than 100 days to go until the Aviva Tour of Britain, the atmosphere in the Ribble Valley and Pendle is ramping up as they set to host stage two of the race on September 7.

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Millions of viewers are also set to watch the live TV coverage on ITV4.

The event, which will welcome some of the world's greatest cyclists to the streets and narrow lanes of East Lancashire s expected to bring in £2million to the economy.

Hailed as one of the region’s biggest sporting occasions in years, the race is expected to leave a 'Lycra-clad' legacy similar to that of the Tour de France's visit to Yorkshire in 2014.

Cycling groups have revealed that they have seen membership increase since it was announced that the tour would be coming to the region and that participation rates amongst youngsters has also increased.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: "It will be the biggest public event in Pendle's calender this year by a country mile.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase everything that's great about Pendle.

"We will be welcoming people from across the country and from across the globe and I would urge everyone to open their doors and welcome them."

It will be the first time that the Tour of Britain has come to the region in its 70-year history.

David Fish from Clitheroe Bike Club said: "I think that it is an absolute master-stroke for this huge event to be brought to East Lancashire.

"The place will be buzzing in the lead-up and will help secure the future of cycling in the area.

"I think that it will have a similar boost to the sport that the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire did for that county.

"It's already a hot topic in cycling circles and it should be an amazing day."

Stage two will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV4 for three hours with a highlights programme in the evening alongside the event being beamed to more than 120 countries.

The leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council, Cllr Stuart Hirst, said: "We consider this to be a major coup for the Ribble Valley and Pendle.

"It's an internationally-recognised event which will be beamed across the world and help to raise the profile of the borough.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved and it will be a true highlight of the year."

Ian Lowcock, president of the Burnley and Pendle Cyclists Touring Club, said: "East Lancashire is regarded as one of the best places in the world for cycling and it's an honour for the tour to come here.

"I think that the tour will have the same level of impact on East Lancashire that the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire in 2014 had which is exciting for everyone."

Last year's event saw 2012 Tour de France champion Sir Bradley Wiggins, British sprint star Mark Cavendish and current world road race champion Michal Kwiatkowski take part.

East Lancashire has a fine cycling heritage with the current president of the sport's governing body Brian Cookson hailing from the Ribble Valley, while Olympic champion Steven Burke is from Colne which also hosts the popular Colne Grand Prix.

The stage will see some of the best road racers on the planet compete over the 162km route which will travel through areas including Clitheroe, Longridge, Slaidburn, Nelson and Colne.