The villages featured in third leg of cycling tour

Paul Magnier won the race in nearby Northampton in 2024

The villages and towns that will make up part of the route for Britain's biggest professional cycle race have been detailed.

Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire will host Stage 3 of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men on 4 September, starting at Midsummer Boulevard and finishing on Woburn Street in Ampthill.

It has now been announced the 122.8-kilometre (76.4-mile) leg will pass Woburn, Toddington, Barton-le-Clay, Shefford, Northill and Old Warden

Adam Zerny, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We know how excited local residents are about hosting the event, and we see this as a great chance to showcase our picturesque villages and countryside."

Deputy leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Lauren Townsend, added: "We're proud to be hosting the start of this major stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men here in Milton Keynes.

"We look forward to welcoming people from across the city and beyond to cheer on the riders and be part of the day."

The route crosses Bedfordshire after leaving Milton Keynes

Stage three starts in Milton Keynes at 11:30 BST and ends in Ampthill around 14:40.

The route leaves the Buckinghamshire city via Caldecotte and on through Woburn Sands, passing Woburn Abbey Deer Park on its way towards Toddington.

After reaching Chalton, riders will head east to Streatley and Barton-le-Clay, passing an ancient woodland at Sharpenhoe

Spectators near Biggleswade will see the riders twice as they loop the area, before climbing uphill in the final sprint towards Ampthill.

Jonathan Day, managing director for British Cycling Events, said: "With a month to go until the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men gets underway, we are delighted to be sharing the exciting details of all six routes."

The event attracts a roadside audience of more than one million

This year will be the first time that the Lloyds Tour of Britain has come to Ampthill and Central Bedfordshire.

The competition begins on 2 September with two stages in Suffolk.

The largest free-to-attend sporting spectacle in the UK features Olympic, world and Tour de France champions, and attracts a roadside audience of more than one million spectators.