Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire will host a stage of the upcoming Tour of Britain cycle race.

The region will host stage three of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men’s event on Thursday 4 September, which will be the first time Milton Keynes has hosted the race since 2008 and the first time it has visited Central Bedfordshire.

The event will start from Midsummer Boulevard in Central Milton Keynes before finishing on Woburn Street in Ampthill, Central Bedfordshire. A specific route between the start and end point will be confirmed later this month.

Further announcements about the host venues of the cycle tournament’s remaining stages, as well as the participating teams for the Lloyds Tour of Britain will be made over the coming weeks.

Cllr Mick Legg, Milton Keynes City Council’s Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said, “Milton Keynes is truly a cycling city with more than 200 miles of redways, two national cycle routes and so many passionate cyclists. We’re excited to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to our city and it promises to be a fantastic celebration for all our cycling enthusiasts.”

Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, added, “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting a stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain cycle race for the very first time. Many of us remember the moment we were inspired to take up a sport, so perhaps amongst those who watch the athletes whizz past them in September will be a future cycling champion. We hope it will be a thrilling day for all residents and visitors alike and are looking forward to welcoming the riders and celebrating this world-class sporting event with our communities.”

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men begins in East Suffolk on Tuesday 2 September, with an opening leg between Woodbridge and Southwold, followed by a second stage in Suffolk at Stowmarket.

Jonathan Day, Managing Director of British Cycling Events, added, “It is great to be working with Milton Keynes City Council and Central Bedfordshire Council to bring the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to their communities this September.

“Over the coming weeks we look forward to sharing more exciting details about this year’s race with fans and building up to what will be another incredible edition of the Lloyds Tour of Britain.”