THE Tour of Britain, the nation's premier cycle race, will return to Devon on September 15, passing North Tawton, Chagford, Whiddon Down, Spreyton, and Bow along the way.

The fifth stage of the race will be cycled completely in Devon, starting at Exeter and finishing at Exmouth — 96 of the world's top professional cyclists will compete to wear the IG Markets Gold Jersey.

The route takes in Dartmoor National Park,

passing through Moretonhampstead and Postbridge, and mountain climbs at Haytor, Coffin Stone and Huccaby Tor on the way back to Exmouth.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation was excited about the stage coming to the county: 'We can't wait for the Tour of Britain to return to Devon, particularly as this is the first time we'll have hosted a complete stage in the county.

'Over the past few years we have had record crowds turning out to see the race and this prestigious event generates vital income for local businesses.

'We'll be hoping that people from home and abroad come back to Devon again to see some of the world's top cyclists in action.'

Cllr Will Mumford, Devon County Council cabinet member for economy, enterprise and employment, was excited about the opportunities the race would provide: 'The tour enables us to put Devon in the spotlight which has long term benefits for our economy.

'It's pleasing to have had such positive feedback from visitors last year and it demonstrates the role that cycling tourism can play in attracting people to our county. All of the locations on this year's stage will offer a fantastic backdrop for the race.'

Last year's South West stages were seen by more than a million British viewers on ITV4, as well as being beamed across the world to countries including Australia, New Zealand, Italy and South Africa.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive of the Tour of Britain, said: 'While this year's Devon stage may start and finish just a few miles apart, the route itself takes in a great swathe of the county, allowing spectators from across Devon to enjoy the spectacle of this country's national cycling tour.

'In 2010 Dartmoor produced some of the most memorable photographs and television pictures of the entire race, so I'm sure this year will be no different, especially on what looks to be a very tough and challenging route.'

Chagford Parish Council discussed the race at their meeting last week to figure out how to mark the occasion. North Tawton Town Council has yet to discuss the race, but intends to do so at its next meeting in early September, as does Drewsteignton Parish Council, which meets on August 15.

The start of the 2011 tour will be from Scotland on Sunday September 11, with the race finishing in London on Sunday September 18.

For more information on the tour, visit http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk">www.tourofbritain.co.uk