WORLD class cyclists will race through Northwich this September during the UK's largest professional cycle race.

The Friends Life Tour of Britain, which will be shown live on ITV, passes through Bartington, Acton Bridge, Crowton and Kingsley during Stage Two of the race on Monday, September 8.

Internationally renowned teams will compete in the eight-day tour, including Team Sky, Omega Pharma - Quick-Step, Movistar and the Great Britain team.

Part of the 201km Stage Two route from Knowsley to Llandudno follows the route of the Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race, organised by Weaver Valley Cycling Club (WVCC).

Andy Wood, club member and organiser of the Cheshire Classic, said: "This is great for Northwich, although passing through quieter areas of the town, they are beautiful villages.

"The club is very excited.

"We organise the Cheshire Classic Women's Road Race which is a national level race and takes place every April.

"They complete 12 ascents of the Cliff, in Acton Bridge.

"To see the world's biggest cycling teams go up it will be great to see – although I think they'll find it no trouble at all.

"I went to see the race pass through Chelford and Knutsford a couple of years ago and you couldn't move."

He urged Guardian readers to line the route on the day.

"Definitely come, it's a great spectacle," he said.

"The race passes through within minutes but it's a great atmosphere with the convoy, helicopter and police motorbikes."

Alan Silver, WVCC's runs captain, said: "Following the Tour de France what a great finale to the road racing session The Tour of Britain skirting Northwich.

"Myself and others have booked the day of work, the plan may be to watch part of the stage on home ground around Acton Cliff or the top of Kingsley, then bikes in the car and travel to Wales park up and ride to the Great Orme, in Llandudno, and the finish in the town on the Monday."

Businesses on the route are also gearing up to watch and celebrate on the day.

Gerard Dowd, manager of the Horseshoe pub, in Kingsley, said: "We'll be open at 9am for breakfast and will have a gazebo set up.

"There's a school next door and hopefully the kids will be allowed out to cheer them on.

"For us we can be the focus of the village so hopefully people will come and cheer with us.

"We'll have bunting out and signs on the road for the riders – we're waiting to see who will take part, we've got some keen cyclists in the pub who are keeping us informed of all the details."

Belinda Davenport, from Davenport's Farm Shop and Tea Room, in Bartington, said: "We'll have our British flags out and will go for an Edwardian theme – we'll be in costume for it."

BULLET: What will you do to mar the Tour passing through Northwich? Email gbebbington@guardiangrp.co.uk and let us know.