BRITAIN'S premier cycle race returns to Stoke-on-Trent in September and will be offering amateurs the chance to race the pro circuit for the first time.

The fifth stage of the televised Tour of Britain will see teams of professional racers from all over the world arriving in the city for a challenging 83-mile race.

On September 16, they will set off from the Britannia Stadium at 10.30am, travelling to Eccleshall, Stone, Stramshall, near Uttoxeter, Tittesworth Reservoir, Leek and Barlaston before finishing at the town hall in Hanley at 2pm.

Tour of Britain officials visited the Britannia Stadium yesterday to officially launch this year's event and announce plans for an amateur race 10 days before the pro race, on September 6.

It is a charity event called the Tour Ride and there are three routes to accommodate all abilities. Money generated from the entrance fees will go to The Prostate Cancer Charity.

The three different rides are -

Pro Tour Ride for experienced cyclists who must be over 16. It follows an 83 mile route initially through rolling terrain before reaching long and steep hills. The entry fee is £40 per rider.

Challenge Tour Ride, for over 14s only. It is a 43 mile route through mainly gentle or rolling terrain. The entry fee is £30 per rider.

Family Tour Ride has no age limit and is a 12 mile route along roads, towpaths and bridleways. It is generally flat with one small hill before the finish. The entry fee is £5 per rider.

Just like the professionals, cyclists in the three charity rides will begin outside the home of Stoke City FC, the Britannia Stadium.

The Tour Of Britain is spread over eight days and Stoke-on-Trent and London are the only two stages hosting the charity amateur rides.

Tour chief executive, Hugh Roberts, said: "The Tour Ride and The Tour Of Britain are a postcard event for Stoke-on-Trent and the region. We will bring the highest caliber of sportsmen into the back gardens of people across this city.

"Unlike other major sporting events like tennis and golf, it will be completely free to watch.

"We have more than 500 entries for the Tour Ride already and this is just the start.

"It's something we are going to build on and in the future we hope to have more than 5,000 people taking part."

Entries for the Tour Ride have already been received from Switzerland, Scotland and Ireland.

Riders taking part will have a unique experience, cycling the same route which will challenge the elite professionals ten days later.

Former commonwealth gold medal cyclist, Malcolm Elliott, aged 48, is a member of the Stone-based CandiTV cycle team. He said: "So much work goes into organising the event, I think I have the easiest job because I just have to get on my bike and follow the arrows.

"This Tour is going to be the best ever. British cycling is on a roll and there's no denying it. We are going to see the cream of the world's cyclists competing in Stoke-on-Trent and that is a privilege."

Each stage of the Tour of Britain is being televised on ITV4 with an hour-long programme every evening of the eight day race. One evening will be completely dedicated to Stoke-on-Trent and the programme is set to highlight popular attractions in the city and regeneration projects, as well as cycling.

Councillor Derek Capey, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's cabinet member for sports and leisure, said: "Last year's event was highly successful and thousands of people turned out to watch the finish.

"Now we are having the start and finish and I'm really pleased Stoke City have come on board. Highways have to manage the closure of the roads and it's a massive job but I am really pleased we are doing it again."