West Midlands Stage announced for Tour of Britain

Landis and Boonen likely starters

The Tour of Britain cycle race (August 29-September 1) will return to the West Midlands for its second consecutive year on Friday, September 1, with a new stage start in Wolverhampton. Starting off at Market Square in Wolverhampton, the route will take in the towns and cities of Newport, Stafford, Cannock, Lichfield and Walsall, before a finish at Millennium Point in Birmingham.

Elite cyclist Kristian House (Recycling.co.uk) and event director Tony Doyle, unveiled the route across the West Midlands at a launch today (July 26) in Wolverhampton.

Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of the Tour of Britain, commented, "I am delighted that the Tour will be returning to the West Midlands in 2006. The stage promises to be an exciting and challenging one for the riders and I am sure the local residents will provide great support and encouragement to all of the teams competing."

This year’s race looks set to be the biggest yet. World Champion Tom Boonen from Belgium, holder of the Tour de France yellow jersey for four days, recently confirmed he will ride the Tour for Quick.Step-Innergetic. The organisers have also announced the presence of Tour de France winner Floyd Landis (Phonak), although this will depend on what date he will have his hip replacement surgery.