Sir Bradley Wiggins set to make flying Shropshire visit in the Tour of Britain

The race, which will feature cycling greats Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, will be passing through the region on September 18-19.

Stage Four, starting in Stoke-on-Trent, will take in Market Drayton and Whitchurch before crossing the border towards Wrexham and finishing in Llanberis.

The following day, Stage 5 will follow the border down from Machynlleth to Caerphilly.

And the combination of big names and the British love of sports is expected to be a boost to tourism in the area.

Race director Mick Bennett said he expects spectators to turn out in force to watch the tour in the borders area.

"Both stages feature some of the best scenery from anywhere on The Tour of Britain but also very demanding climbs that will help shape the nature of this year's race.

"Last year it was on the stage to Caerphilly that Jonathan Tiernan Locke won the race showing just how decisive the Welsh mountains can be.

"Machynlleth is on National Cycle Route Eight with several of the country's best mountain bike trails."

The race has already been hailed as a huge boost for the region's economy and Powys County Council will be providing free parking for those who travel to the event by bicycle.

Councillor Rosemarie Harris, Powys County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We are delighted that some of the country's best known riders are returning to Powys for a fourth time. It is a welcome boost for the county."

Powys County Council's Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre will be providing free bicycle parking for those who travel by bike to watch the stage begin.

Nick Aitken, leisure centre manager, said: Having somewhere to park your bike is important so cyclists can then go off and enjoy the festivities.

"The centre is only a two minute walk away from the start line."

Where to watch:

September 18

• 11am – Riders leave Stoke-on-Trent.

• 11.48am – Following the A53 around Market Drayton.

• 12.14pm – Passing through Ightfield.

• 12.21pm – Passing through Whitchurch.

• 12.28pm – Crossing the border into Wales.

• 1.07pm – Passing through Llay, near Wrexham.

• 1.50pm – Sprint section at Ruthin.

• 3.06pm – Passing through Betws-y-Coed.

• 3.44pm – Arrive in Llanberis.

September 19

• 11am – Riders leave Machynlleth town centre.

• 11.26am – Passing through Llanbrynmair.

• 12pm – Passing through Llanidloes.

• 12.32pm – Passing through Rhayader.

• 1.40pm – Passing through Brecon.

• 3.04pm – Entering Caerphilly.

• 3.27pm – Finish in Crescent Road, Caerphilly.