THE world’s best riders will cycle through West Craven on one of the toughest stages of the Tour of Britain race this summer.

Ribble Valley and Pendle boroughs will host Stage Two of the eight-stage Friends Life Tour of Britain on Monday, September 7.

Stage Two begins in Clitheroe town centre, completing a clockwise route via Nick O’Pendle, Longridge, Dunsop Bridge and Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland.

After Gisburn the route heads into Pendle via Barnoldswick and Earby before returning to Clitheroe and then on to Whalley, Nelson and the finish in Colne.

Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp revealed the details of the route through West Craven.

"Initially, the suggested route just went straight through Barlick on the main road," said Cllr Whipp. "After a bit of wrangling and to-ing and fro-ing, it's now been agreed that the race will come past the following Barnoldswick locations; Greenberfield Locks, town centre shops, Hope Technology and Bancroft Mill before descending Salterforth Drag and going on to Earby to tackle Bleara Road."

From Bracewell, the route turns on to Greenberfield Lane, past the locks to Skipton Road at Ghyll Brow, left at the mini-roundabout, then right in front of Holy Trinity and along Church Street, turning right onto Butts, then over Monkroyd, along Calf Hall Road to Walmsgate, up Westgate, Colne Road and Gillians Lane, up Tubber Hill and along High Lane before dropping down to the Anchor, across the cross roads into Earby and up Stoneybank and Bleara Road.

Ian Wilkinson, who is from Barnoldswick and rides for Team Raleigh – GAC, is looking forward to taking part in a home stage.

“Ribble Valley and Pendle are fantastic places to cycle," he said. "The landscape is challenging and very dramatic. I’m sure all of this year’s competitors will enjoy Stage Two.”

Councillor Paul White, who has responsibility for enterprise, growth and promotion in Pendle, said: “We’re really excited to host a stage of this year’s Tour of Britain. Stage Two is the shortest but toughest of the stages so it will be a great one to watch.

“The Tour is the country’s largest free-to-spectate sporting event, attracting thousands of spectators to each stage.

“Pendle really is a hidden gem and this gives us an amazing opportunity to show the world what we have to offer."

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stuart Hirst added: “The Tour of Britain attracts a huge following, as well as an international television audience, so is the ideal showcase for Ribble Valley’s many attractions."

Race director Mick Bennett said: “We have a great and testing route, which will be one popular with fans who should be able to catch the action in more than one location."

The 2015 Friends Life Tour of Britain will start on Sunday, September 6, in Wales and finish eight days later in the heart of London.

Further details of the route will be announced in the summer, along with details of the 20 competing teams.