The route for the Mansfield leg of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycle race has been announced.

The fourth stage of the biggest free-to-view event in the UK will set off on a 6km ride through the town from Mansfield Market Place on Wednesday, 6th September.

Around 120 of the world’s top cyclists will head up Leeming Street and north along Chesterfield Road past Tesco before turning left at the Civic Centre on to Rosemary Street.

They will continue past the Fire Station and the old bus station and then go by Titchfield Park and Mansfield Leisure Park on Nottingham Road.

Cyclists will turn right at High Oakham Primary School and continue along Atkin Lane and Sheepbridge Lane before turning left on to the A38 near the Sir John Cockle pub.

They will join the Ashfield section of the race near King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.

After heading south through Ashfield and later Newstead Abbey, the route will go through Ravenshead, Blidworth, Farnsfield, Southwell, Bilsthorpe, Edwinstowe, Budby and Worksop before finishing in Newark.

The Mansfield leg is part of a 175km route through Nottinghamshire.

The start time in Mansfield has yet to be confirmed but cyclists are expected to set off between 10.30am and 10.45am.

However, there will be plenty of activities in the Market Place from early in the morning for spectators.

Mansfield District Council is encouraging residents, businesses, schools and community groups to register their interest in planning activities or welcoming the event by signing up at www.mansfield.gov.uk/ToB2017

The town centre will be decorated, planters will be installed and reclaimed bicycles will be painted yellow to welcome the event.

Residents and businesses can join in by adding bunting to their fences, putting posters in their windows or plant colourful floral displays in their gardens.

There will be prizes for the best dressed house and garden, and most impressive business/window display.

Go to the council’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/mymansfielduk for further information.

The mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to help us showcase all that the district has to offer both to visitors and for the millions who will be watching live on television.

“We urge everyone to do what they can to make the district look its best and to come out in support on 6th September and make as much noise as possible to make the Tour of Britain a day to remember for everyone.”

The Big Welcome event in Mansfield Market Place on Tuesday, 5th September, starts at 10am.

There will be cycling-themed entertainment and activities for all the family, including demonstrations by professional riders, have-a-go sessions, music and arts and crafts.

More information is at www.mansfield.gov.uk /ToB2017

For more information on the Tour of Britain go to www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-four