OLYMPIC hero Sir Bradley Wiggins looks set to ride through the streets of Worcester when the Tour of Britain comes to the city next month.
The 34-year-old, who won the event last year, is expected to be among a world class field of cyclists which will be vying for the Friends Life Yellow Jersey.
The four-time Olympic gold medallist and winner of the 2012 Tour de France would be part of Team Sky, which will be one of the 20 squads taking part.
The Tour will visit Worcestershire on Wednesday, September 10, with cyclists starting Stage Four from The Hive at 10.30am before travelling through Bransford, Malvern, Upton, Pershore, Evesham and Broadway.
Peter Pawsey, executive chair at Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, which are hosting the Tour, said excitement was building ahead of the event.
“The confirmation of the teams is really exciting and there’s no doubt that the potential for well-known names such as Bradley Wiggins in the line-up will only add to the build-up,” he said.
“We are extremely pleased to bring the Tour to Worcestershire with all the opportunities it brings to profile our beautiful county.
“We are very grateful for the support of the county council, city council, Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils and our sponsors for making this happen. I hope the people of Worcestershire will get behind the riders and give them a warm Worcestershire welcome on September 10.”
Race director Mick Bennett said they had a very positive response from teams wanting to ride in the eight-stage-Tour, which will begin in Liverpool on Sunday, September 7 and finish eight days later in London.
“Not only do we have a very strong line-up of teams, half of whom raced in the Tour de France, we are confident that they will be bringing their best possible squads,” Mr Bennett added. “This means fans can look forward to seeing the world’s top riders, some exciting racing and maybe a few surprises this September.”
Teams competing in the Tour of Britain:
Belkin Pro Cycling (NED)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Garmin Sharp (USA)
Movistar Team (SPA)
Omega Pharma Quick-Step (BEL)
Team Giant Shimano (NED)
Team Sky (GBR)
Tinkoff Saxo (RUS)
UCI Pro Continental Teams
Bardiani CSF (ITA)
IAM Cycling (SWI)
MTN Qhubeka (RSA)
Team NetApp Endura (Ger)
Team Novo Nordisk (USA)
UCI Continental Teams
AN Post Chain Reacton (IRL)
Madison Genesis (GBR)
NFTO Pro Cycling (GBR)
Giordana Racing Team (GBR)
Rapha Condor JLT (GBR)
Team Raleigh (GBR)
National Teams
Great Britain (GBR)
