How to plan for Tour of Britain in MK and Beds

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men has already raced through Suffolk

International cycling teams, fans and riders will descend on parts of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire as the UK's largest free-to-spectate sporting events rolls in.

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men will begin its third stage in Milton Keynes at 11:30 BST and finish in Woburn Street, Ampthill, at about 14:40, on Thursday.

The route includes Woburn, Toddington, Barton-le-Clay and Haynes.

On day three, the pedal-pushing professionals, including Olympic, world and Tour de France champions, will cover 122.8km (76 miles).

Here's everything you need to know about what is described as one of the most prestigious events in cycling's global calendar.

What routes will the cyclists take while they are in Bucks and Beds?

Stage three will travel through Milton Keynes and central Bedfordshire

The set up of stage three on Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, starts at 05:00 and the race convoy will arrive at 09:30.

Presentations start at 10:22 before the teams line up at 11:15, with the cyclists rolling forward together for the start at 11:30.

The roads the tour races along in the city are: Marlborough Gate, Silbury Boulevard, Overgate, Childs Way (H6), Marlborough Street (V8), Chaffron Way (H7), Brickhill Street (V10), Station Road, Woburn Sands Road, Bow Brickhill Road, The Leys and Hardwick Road.

It then arrives in Bedfordshire, via Woburn and Aspley Heath, heads south past Toddington, through Barton-le-Clay, then across to Broom and circles Old Warden, before continuing past Haynes, on its way to Woburn Street, Ampthill.

Who are the cyclists taking part?

Olav Kooij, of Team Visma, won the first stage on Tuesday

The race pack comprises 114 riders, representing 19 teams and 20 nations, and features experienced and up-and-coming professionals.

Great Britain's team consists of six riders, two of which - Ben Chilton and Huw Buck-Jones – make their debuts in what is Britain's biggest professional cycle race.

They line-up alongside Ben Wiggins and Josh Golliker, with Josh Charlton and Matt Bostock completing the team.

Olav Kooij won the first stage with a nail-biting uphill sprint finish.

Tord Gudmestad was a surprise runner-up. Hugo Hofstetter finished third.

Sam Watson was the first British rider to cross the line. He finished sixth. Geraint Thomas recovered from a late puncture to finish with the main field in his final race before retirement.

Josh Golliker earned the opening stage's combativity award.

The full list of riders is here.

What roads will be closed?

The race sees 114 riders from 20 different nations go wheel-to-wheel

As with any cycle race of this magnitude, roads have to be closed so it can go ahead safely.

It will operate a "rolling road closure" system rather than full road closures, to "minimise disruption to the local community as much as possible".

Roads should only be closed for 30 to 45 minutes at a time while the racers passes through.

Where should you park in Ampthill?

There will be no parking in Ampthill town centre, but Central Bedfordshire Council says there are two chargeable car parks on Steppingly Road.

There is free parking at The Rufus Centre and Flitwick Football Club.

All are a short walk to Flitwick Interchange, where a free shuttle bus, to Ampthill Great Park, is laid on.

It picks up on Steppingly Road (next to Flitwick Train Station, MK45 1AJ) and drops off at the junction of the A507 and Woburn Road in Ampthill. From there, it is a short walk to the stage finish on Woburn Street.

It runs every 15 minutes from 10:00 until 17:12.

Buses, including routes 42 and 44, will also run between Flitwick and Ampthill.

What else can spectators see?

Stage three starts at Milton Keynes' Midsummer Boulevard, by the theatre, at 11:30, but entertainment is planned from 09:30.

It includes stunts, free bike checks and the opportunity to decorate your bike for free with artist Kerry Lemon.

There will also be information about women's bike rides and community bike clubs.

In Ampthill, a big screen will show race coverage all day and there are bike events, including demonstrations and the fire service's virtual reality car simulator.

There is also a bike swap.

Where else is the race taking place?

The first stage ended at 15:05 BST on Tuesday in Southwold, having visited Aldeburgh and Thorpeness (pictured) along the way

The race started in Suffolk on Tuesday, and Wednesday's stage starts and finishes in Stowmarket.

It goes to Atherstone, Warwickshire, for stage four, which ends in Burton Dassett Hills Country Park.

On Saturday, the race takes the cyclists to Pontypool and then onto The Tumble, before the sporting spectacular concludes the next day with stage six, from Newport to Cardiff.

'Champions of the future'

Councils have said they cannot wait to welcome the crowds.

Adam Zerny, the Independent leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to see world-class sport on their doorstep, and to inspire the champions of the future.

"The Tour of Britain is one of the most exciting events in the sporting calendar and will showcase the beauty of Central Bedfordshire to a global audience."

Lauren Townsend, Labour's deputy leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said it was "proud" to be hosts.

She said it was "an exciting programme" of "fantastic cycling activities to family-friendly events".