BRITAIN'S biggest professional cycling race will fly back through the borough for the first time in 15 years this weekend for the final stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.

The final phase of the race will visit Ramsbottom as riders take in all 10 of the Greater Manchester borough, starting in Altrincham and finishing on Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

Stage 8 of the race will see the peloton take on a gruelling 165km route which encompasses almost 2,000m of climbing, including the famous "King of the Mountains" ascent of Rawson's Rake.

Leading cyclist are expected to enter the streets of Ramsbottom at around 1pm and recommended viewing spots include:

- Along Whalley Road, Ramsbottom

- Ramsbottom town centre

- Rawson's Rake, Holcombe Village

- Junction at Pot Green/Hare and Hounds Public House

- Hawkshaw Village

Once in Ramsbottom the riders will head towards Hawkshaw, travelling southwards along the A56 (Whalley Road), descending Peel Brow, and going through Ramsbottom town centre and along Bridge Street before climbing Rawson's Rake for the King of the Mountain challenge.

The Tour will then exit via a fast descent at Lumb Carr Road and head off through Hawkshaw village, departing towards Edgeworth in Bolton.

Alongside all the racing action there will be plenty of cycling-themed fun to help you get in gear.

At Ramsbottom Pool and Fitness centre there will be a free family cycling fun day, including challenges and activities for youngsters and adults, as well a Bury Tandem Cycling Club expo, information stalls and a Roch Valley Radio DJ.

Down at The Shoulder of Mutton pub in Lumb Carr Road, there will be a barbecue with live music and outdoor bar; plus a HSBC UK Breeze Women’s cycling expo and Bury Clarion Cycling Club.

There will also be a Tour of Britain Treasure Trail with seven decorated bikes located between the East Lancashire Railway and Tilted Vase with prizes to be collected from Ramsbottom Leisure Centre.

The weekend's racing will see a number of short-term rolling road closures, with no traffic diversions, which will start approximately 15 minutes before the arrival of the leading cyclists and remain in place until all riders and cars have passed through.

On Carr Street, Tanners Street and Rawson’s Rake there will be a short-term full closure for the King of the Mountain Challenge which will start at 12pm and end at around 2pm

Residents and businesses on the affected streets will receive an information leaflet from the Tour of Britain and a letter from the council.

Temporary parking restrictions will be in place from 10am until 4pm along the full length of the route.

Those affected by the road closures and parking restrictions should find alternative parking before 10am on the day of the event and spectators are advised to use public transport.