The world’s top female cyclists will be cycling through Oldham next month as Greater Manchester hosts the final stage of the Tour of Britain Women.

Last year, the men's Tour of Britain returned to the borough for the first time in four years, as riders tackled the challenging terrain in September.

Now, Oldham will once again welcome some of the best cyclists in the world as they cycle through the borough and parts of Greater Manchester on Sunday, June 9 for the fourth and final stage of the event.

The race will depart at 11.15am from the National Cycling Centre velodrome, the home of British Cycling, in Manchester, near Etihad Campus.

The cyclists will then quickly make their way into Oldham, heading through the south of Oldham to near the town centre, before setting off for the challenges of Saddleworth.

The Oldham Times: The map showing the route cyclists will take on June 9The map showing the route cyclists will take on June 9 (Image: British Cycling)

Cycling through Lees, Grasscroft and Uppermill, the competitors will take on the Delph to Grains Bar climb 23km into the route, which is 2.72km long with an average gradient of 5.5 per cent.

After that will be Shaw, before riders head into Rochdale, Bury and through Bolton before ending up at Leigh Sports Village, with cyclists expected to cross the finish line at around 2pm. 

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Oldham Council said it would keep residents notified in the coming weeks of road closures which will take place to accommodate the race.

Tour of Britain Race Director, Rod Ellingworth, said: “I am incredibly proud of the collective efforts of everyone involved to allow us to be in a position where we can announce the fourth and final route of the Tour of Britain Women. Stage four is set to be another incredibly tough stage, with a series of challenging climbs, beautiful scenery and visual reminders of the area’s industrial heritage, where spectators will witness the very best of women’s road racing in action. 

“As the European Capital of Cycling, we know that our partners in Manchester and the surrounding boroughs will put on a show not to be missed. We are extremely grateful for the support of Marketing Manchester, Manchester Active, Manchester City Council, Wigan Council and all those involved for their ongoing commitment and support.” 

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, Manchester City Council, said: "It is fitting that during the year when Manchester is celebrating being named the European Capital of Cycling, we are welcoming some of the greatest athletes in the sport to our city.

"The Tour of Britain is always a showstopper event and I'm sure thousands of people will turn out to see these incredible competitors battle it out, starting in the shadow of the National Cycling Centre, our very own medal factory and the home of British Cycling."