SOME of the world’s best cyclists will pass through East Lothian in the penultimate stage of the Tour of Britain.

Stage seven of the annual race will see cyclists cover nearly 195 kilometres as they make their way from Hawick to Edinburgh.

Along the route, competitors will come through the Lammermuir Hills before passing through Gifford, East Saltoun and Pencaitland before finishing in the capital.

East Lothian also boasts a King of the Mountain challenge at Wanside Rig in the Lammermuir Hills.

Provost John McMillan, council spokesman for economic development and tourism, was delighted to see the race return to East Lothian, with cyclists having previously passed through in 2017.

He said: “The Tour of Britain’s return to East Lothian is fantastic news.

“As well as being one of Scotland’s top visitor destinations, East Lothian boasts some fantastic places to see and explore by bike.

“I’m hopeful that the exposure the county will get through coverage of the race will help to highlight some of the wonderful countryside and scenery with which we are fortunate to be blessed.

“It’s also a terrific opportunity for cycling fans to see some of the world’s top cyclists in action.”

The race is scheduled to take place from September 5-12, with cyclists covering more than 1,300 kilometres from Penzance to Aberdeen.

East Lothian Courier: The route will take cyclists from Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, to Edinburgh, via East LothianThe route will take cyclists from Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, to Edinburgh, via East Lothian

East Lothian’s stage takes place on September 11 with the cyclists finishing in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat.

Previous winners of the prestigious event, which will adhere to Covid-19 guidelines, include Bradley Wiggins, reigning World Road Race Champion Julian Alaphilippe and winner of a stage at this year’s Tour de France, Mathieu van der Poel.

Relaunched in 2004 after a five-year absence from the calendar, the Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, held annually across eight days in September.

The free-to-watch sporting spectacular has featured Olympic, world and Tour de France champions, and attracts a roadside audience of more than 1.5 million spectators.

Live coverage of the race is shown daily on ITV4, in addition to around the world.

The Tour of Britain is part of the UCI ProSeries, making it one of the most prestigious sporting events in the sport’s global calendar.

Detailed routes and timetables for the Tour of Britain stages can now be found by visiting www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages