Four sprints, three hill climbs, 96 of the world’s best riders over 120 miles and one yellow jersey. The Tour of Britain, the UK’s elite cycle race, returns to the East Midlands in September.

Northamptonshire based superbike racer Maria Costello joined East Midlands Development Agency’s (emda)’s Director of International Development David Wallace to unveil the new 2005 route at Loughborough University.

With a new start venue, Buxton Pavilion Gardens in Derbyshire, the race will begin on Friday 2nd September at approximately 10.30am and will finish once again at Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment at approx 3.05pm.

The route will take in the picturesque towns and villages in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire such as Bakewell, Matlock, Cromford, Wirksworth, Belper, Duffield, Derby, Swarkstone, Ashby-de-la Zouch, Loughborough, Leicester, Melton Mowbray, Ab Kettleby and Upper Broughton.

For the second year running, emda is the regional sponsor, with support from East Midlands Tourism. David Wallace, said:

“As a region the East Midlands has plenty to shout about for sporting excellence and tourist appeal and it’s events like the Tour of Britain that really put us on the map. emda’s backing of the Tour and of the 2012 bid supports its objective of increasing the region's capacity for attracting international events, contributing to our goal of making the East Midlands a top 20 European region by 2010."

Maria Costello was at the event to promote The Tour and the health benefits of cycling. Also being the fastest female motorbike rider recorded at the Isle of Man TT Races, Maria does most of her training on a bicycle. She said:

“Having the Tour of Britain in the East Midlands will be great for encouraging people to get up and do something for themselves. Those living in the region will not have to travel far to see a live world class sporting event and hopefully it will inspire them to get involved in cycling and sport.”

Since the successful revival of the Tour last year, the Tour of Britain is now on a global platform along with other major races attracting the world’s leading teams such as Discovery Channel, T-Mobile, Quickstep, Phonak and Cofidis.

Hugh Roberts, CEO of The Tour of Britain, added:
“It is our stated aim to make The Tour of Britain a cornerstone of the UK’s sporting calendar and an iconic race which will stand in comparison with the ‘big three’ tours in Europe. If a road champion from these islands emerges in the next decade or sooner as a result of being inspired by The Tour of Britain that will pride us with enormous satisfaction and a sense of achievement.”