Oxfordshire is set to host the prestigious Women’s Tour cycling race for the second time in early October.

The provisional route for the October 4 race was revealed in a ceremony at Banbury Cross.

Different routes are planned each year to showcase the county’s diversity to a national and international audience.

This year, the race will start on Bicester’s Sheep Street, and complete a short northern loop, passing secondary school students at The Cooper School,  before heading south past Graven Hill to Islip and on to Oxford.

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The peloton will then sweep past the John Radcliffe Hospital and into south Oxfordshire via Blackbird Leys and will reach its southernmost point passing the Culham Science Centre before heading north through Abingdon, Eynsham, and past Woodstock.

The riders will pass through Bloxham before arriving in Banbury for the first time. They will then head back out to complete a short loop of Hook Norton and Sibford Ferris.

Returning to Banbury, they will pass the Cross and the Fine Lady statue, with a sprint to the line expected on South Bar Street.

Oxfordshire is expecting economic and health benefits from hosting the prestigious event, with cycling fans expected to visit the county to watch the race, generating additional business for restaurants, bars, hotels, B&Bs and shops.

Councillor Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “What a fantastic way to showcase our wonderful county to the world and I’m confident this event will bring economic benefits to our communities.

“I also hope the race will inspire even more people to exercise and take to two wheels, the healthy transport option.

“Hosting the prestigious race is a great collaborative effort between the county council and our colleagues at Cherwell, Oxford City, Vale of White Horse, South Oxfordshire, and West Oxfordshire.”

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The Women’s Tour is Britain’s longest-running professional women’s race and part of the prestigious UCI Women’s World Tour series.

About 100 professional riders will weave their way through towns, villages and rural areas and highlights of the race will also be screened on ITV4.

Commenting on the route announcement, Women’s Tour Race Director Mick Bennett, said: “Oxfordshire is a historic and world-famous county; therefore, I am looking forward to the Tour returning to this beautiful county for a second year, following our first visit in 2019.”

You can view the full journey the riders are anticipated to take on the route map.