A PRESTIGIOUS cycling event will be passing through Stockbridge this year.

It will form part of the route of the south east stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race, which runs from London to Glasgow.

The race will arrive at Hoglands Park in Southampton on September 10, having started from Palmer Park Velodrome in Reading earlier that day.

The 96 riders can expect 87 gruelling miles on the stage, which should take them about three-and-a-half hours.

The route travels via Pamber Heath to Whitehill before heading to Stockbridge and then following the River Test to Kimbridge and into the New Forest before heading to Southampton.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive of the Tour of Britain, said: "This is the second year that the Tour of Britain has visited the south east region and this route is one of the most scenic of the tour."

For more information visit www.thetourofbritain.co.uk.