Fans are in for a treat as the Tour of Britain returns to the area for the first time in four years.

The region welcomes the first stage of the cycle race between September 3 and September 10.

The first stage, also known as the 'Grand Départ', is between Altrincham and Manchester but it takes in all of the boroughs of Greater Manchester.

In Bolton, it weaves across the border with Lancashire and there are opportunities to see some of the best cyclists from the best teams in the world.

Specifically, the route arrives in the borough on Ramsbottom Road and after a trip to Edgworth it comes to Egerton. Then the route leaves the borough on Longworth Road but it remains within a stone's throw as it skirts around the north of Winter Hill.

It crosses the borough on Dark Lane before there are opportunities to see some of the action in other towns such as Atherton and Tyldesley.

Nick Peel, the leader of Bolton Council, said the return of the Tour of Britain is a sign of the appeal of the borough for these types of events.

He said: "Bolton has had the Sky Ride in the past and we've been the host of Ironman UK for many, many years so the Tour of Britain coming through Bolton adds on to the fact the town is seen as a very, very attractive place for these types of events.

"The topography is a bit of a challenge because you've got the flats, you've got the hills, and for riding it's sought after to test the endurance."

All of the cyclists are still to be confirmed throughout the month but the teams include Bora-Hansgrohe, Ineos, Jumbo-Visma and Movistar.

Previously, the winners include stars of the Tour de France Bradley Wiggins, Julian Alaphilippe, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.

For information go to tourofbritain.co.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.