Some of the world's best cyclists will be gracing the streets of Cornwall when the first stage of the Tour of Britain sets off from Penzance on Sunday, September 6th 2020.

The date of the stage has been confirmed by the tour's organisers and will see riders travelling on a 170km route through the Cornish countryside, ending in Bodmin.

The stage will also visit St Just, St Ives, Hayle, Camborne, Pool, Redruth, Falmouth, Penryn, Truro, Newquay, St Austell and the Eden Project (subject to final Tour of Britain approval in November).

The world-class sporting event is coming to Cornwall for the first time after a successful bid by Cornwall Council.

Councillor Bob Egerton, portfolio holder for planning and economy at Cornwall Council, said: "We are honoured and excited that Cornwall is hosting the first stage of Britain's biggest cycling event on 6th September 2020.

"It will bring visitors into the Duchy, not only along the stage route but across the rest of the Duchy, and it will also help to enhance our profile both at home and abroad.

"We will also work to ensure we create a long-term legacy from the event by raising the profile of cycling in Cornwall and motivating more people to cycle and lead healthier and active lives."

There will be a community launch day in November to promote the delivery of the event and to showcase the community engagement programme surrounding the event.

The race will give a massive boost to Cornwall's economy. Independent economic reports estimate that the race will generate over 3 million pounds of extra spending within Cornwall over the stage, and it is hoped that around 180,000 people will line the roads of Cornwall to watch.

The Tour of Britain stage will be the biggest ever sporting event to be hosted in Cornwall.

The Tour of Britain is British Cycling's premier road cycling event and the most prestigious race in Britain, and is shown live on ITV4 and Eurosport as well as being broadcast in 190 countries worldwide.

A total of 120 riders take part in the Tour of Britain and by hosting the first stage of the race in 2020, it will give an opportunity for the public in Cornwall to see the world's best cyclists in action.

The Tour of Britain stage in Cornwall will also present an opportunity for national and local businesses to sponsor the event.

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director, said: "We are delighted to announce the date of Cornwall hosting the Grand Depart 2020 stage. We are looking forward to bringing the race to Cornwall for the first time on Sunday 6th September 2020.

"Working with Cornwall Council, British Cycling, the UCI and partners we look forward to making Cornwall the destination to be next September to see the world's best cyclists in action."