City gears up for Tour of Britain cycle race

Tour of Britain cyclists during the race's last visit to Liverpool in 2008. Credit: PA

Thousands of spectators are expected to enjoy the Tour of Britain, the UK's biggest domestic cycle race, as it gets under way in Liverpool on Sunday.

Twenty teams of cyclists, including defending champion Sir Bradley Wiggins, will be taking part in the event.

Stage One's 13km circuit begins at 2.15pm from George’s Dock Gates, on the Liverpool city centre waterfront, heading to Sefton Park and back to The Strand by 4.45pm.

A number of road closures will be in place and public transport in the city will also be affected.

The main event will be preceded by the Skyride, a traffic-free bike ride through Liverpool from 9.00am to 12.30pm which is designed to people of all ages and abilities to get on a bike.

Stage Two of the race will begin on Monday at Knowsley Safari Park, heading to Llandudno in North Wales.

Follow the links below for more information about the Tour of Britain in Merseyside: