Liverpool selected for Tour of Britain 'Grand Depart'

City will host the opening stage of September's Tour for the first time

Sir Bradley Wiggins at the start line of stage 8 on the Tour of Britain (Getty Images)

The Tour of Britain will start in Liverpool for the first time, race organisers announced on Monday.

The 'Grand Depart' opening stage on September 7 will see riders tackle 10 laps of a 13-kilometre circuit, starting and finishing on The Strand in the city centre, close to the Royal Liver Building.

Liverpool has featured in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 tours, but has never previously been the launch point for the eight-day race.

Ahead of Monday evening's unveiling of the full race route, race director Mick Bennett said: "We are delighted that this year's Tour of Britain can start with such a prestigious stage in the centre of Liverpool.

"The opening circuit will be perfectly suited to the sprinters, and whoever wins stage one will pull on the first yellow jersey of 2014.

"With the support of Liverpool City Council we are looking forward to making this year's Grand Depart a memorable occasion for cycling fans."

Liverpool's assistant mayor, councillor Wendy Simon, said: "This is a huge coup for the city. It's wonderful news that this world famous sporting event will begin in Liverpool.

"This race attracts some of the best riders from across the globe with previous races featuring elite cyclists such as Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome.

"There's a real momentum building for cycling in this city."

PA