EAST Lothian will play host to the first leg of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain later this year.

Britain’s biggest professional cycle race vegins in Edinburgh on Sunday, September 3, and then traverses East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

Cyclists will make their way through Musselburgh before following the coast road to Longniddry, where they will then travel towards Gladsmuir and Haddington.

After cycling through Haddington, the competitors will head towards Gifford, and onwards to Duns.

The expected route appears to replicate the journey made when stage four of the 2015 tour came to the county.

Paul Bush, director of events at VisitScotland, said: “The open stage will take in some truly wonderful and iconic scenery as it travels from Edinburgh, through East Lothian and onto the Scottish Borders, providing an amazing spectacle for spectators and riders alike.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for cycling events and the Tour of Britain is a fantastic race that brings strong economic and social benefits to the country.”

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Meanwhile, Craig Burn, chief executive of Scottish Cycling, added: “Scottish Cycling love it when major events come and take advantage of Scotland’s fantastic roads and facilities.

“To have stage one of the Tour of Britain for the second year in a row [it was held in Glasgow last year] is even better.

“Across the past four years, Scottish Cycling has grown massively.

“We know that major events have been key in helping this number to grow, therefore securing and staging elite racing is fundamental to achieving our inspiration to participation strategy.”

Douglas Proudfoot, head of service (development) at East Lothian Council, was pleased to see the race return to the county, after crowds flocked to watch in 2015.

He said: “It was an exciting first for East Lothian when the Tour of Britain passed through in 2015, so we’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming the race once again this year.

“The route through our picturesque towns, villages, coast and countryside was lined with eager spectators so I’m sure there will be even more support for the riders this year.

“It also highlights what a fabulous place East Lothian is for cyclists of all abilities.”