Liverpool stage of Tour of Britain cycle race revealed

Olympic time trial champion Sir Bradley Wiggins won last year's race in London

Details of the opening stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race in Liverpool have been announced.

The Grand Depart of the UK's largest cycle race takes place on Sunday 7 September on the city's waterfront.

On the same day, members of the public can get involved by joining the Sky Ride Liverpool Big Bike Event.

It will be the first time Liverpool has hosted the opening stage of the event, which finished in the city in 2006 and 2008.

Details of competing riders are yet to be announced, but are expected to include some of the world's top cyclists.

'Spectacular setting'

Olympic time trial champion Sir Bradley Wiggins won last year's race, which ended in London.

Race director Mick Bennett said: "The route for the opening stage is going to be spectacular and iconic, whether people are watching at the roadside or at home on the live television coverage."

The Sky Ride will run from 09:00 to 12:30 BST, beginning at Sefton Park and moving on to Sefton Park Road.

Cyclists will then move through Croxteth Road, Princes Road, and Upper Parliament Street, before finishing at Wapping.

The 13km opening stage of the main race will run from 14:15 to 16:45 BST, starting at George's Dock Gates, before hitting The Strand, Wapping, Chaloner Street, and Parliament Street.