Tour of Britain in Northumberland: Route, road closures, timings and how you can watch it

Excitement is building for the eagerly-anticipated return of the Tour of Britain to Northumberland.

Covering 117 miles and passing through 26 communities, the world’s elite riders will descend on the county next week.

The race - one of the most prestigious dates on the cycling calendar - sees riders compete over eight days across the UK.

The Northumberland stage starts in Kielder Water and Forest Park and finishes in Blyth.

Here is everything you need to know about the event.

It is British Cycling’s premier road race and the country’s largest free-to-watch live annual sporting event.