Tour of South East UK announces route

With just ten weeks to go before the start, the route of the new Tour of the South-East has now been finalised. Promoted by British Cycling's South-east Region, the first stage of this four-day race starts in the Hampshire town of Petersfield on Thursday 19th July. Stage one immediately criss-crosses the South Downs before finishing some 94 miles later in the West Sussex town of Burgess Hill.

Day two takes the race through the leafy lanes into East Sussex, which disguise some very undulating roads before hitting the 24 mile finishing circuit around Rushlake Green and Battle which completes the day's 84 miles near the site of the former Royal Observatory at Herstmonceux. Next day takes the field into Kent, crossing the exposed expanses of the Romney Marshes on what could well be a very fast 78 miles to the finish just outside the seaside town of Deal. The fourth and final stage heads to the race's easternmost point at Sandwich before turning west and then north to the grand finale at Maidstone, some 90 miles later.

With separate awards for teams, climbers, sprinters and individuals on offer, there's plenty to go for among the overall prize list of some £3500. Open to elites, first, second and third category riders in teams of three to five, this event promises to provide an exciting four days of racing in some of south-east England's finest scenery.