The route of this year’s Ovo Energy Tour of Britain has been announced today, with the race starting in Glasgow on Saturday 8 September and finishing in Manchester the following Saturday, followed on the Sunday by the city hosting an HSBC UK Let’s Ride mass participation event.

After the opening two stages in Scotland, the action will be played out in the north and midlands of England, with a route totalling 1,250 kilometres and includes uphill finishes at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Kendal, and Warwickshire’s Burton Dassett Country Park.

“This year’s race is a quintessentially British affair, combining the short and sharp climbs we’re famed for with finishes for the world’s best sprinters and hopefully a few surprises along the way,” commented race director Mick Bennett.

“But more than ever this year’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain route has been designed with spectators in mind.

“From visiting three iconic cities and including uphill finishes that are guaranteed to create drama to using finishing circuits, this year’s race will play a big role in helping Britain become a great cycling nation,” he added.

Once again, the race will be broadcast in its entirety on ITV4, which will also screen highlights each evening.

Here are the details of all the stages.