RESIDENTS and traders in Stow are preparing for an influx of visitors on September 9 when Stage 7 of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain passes through the town.

The action begins in the morning when the Great British Bike Build and Tyndale Cycling Club jointly host a Tour of Britain Heritage Ride around the area.

As many as 60 vintage bike riders from across the country – including the ‘ladies basket brigade - will assemble in Stow’s Town Square at about 11am before the ride begins.

The chairman of Stow Town Council, Cllr Ben Eddolls, said: "In 1967 the Milk Race saw cyclists begin a stage in Swindon which was divided into two parts, with Stow being the breakpoint.

"So the town hosted a finishing line and a restart.

" Fifty years on we are very excited that the 2017 OVO Energy Tour of Britain is coming through Stow.

"This is the highest town in the Cotswolds so it will be great to see the riders powering up Stow Hill.

"It should be exciting too as this is the penultimate Stage of the Tour. We are also delighted that the Tour of Britain Heritage Bike ride is coming to Stow at around 11 am.

"The riders enjoy dressing up in traditional vintage cycling ‘tweed’ and riding heritage bicycles. "The ladies quite often wear frocks and display flowers in their baskets and men wear plus fours and have traditional saddlebags on their bicycles - quite a spectacle and not to be missed."

The public will be able to take in the sight of the riders in all their period finery before they depart at noon en route to Bourton-on-the-Water.

The main event will follow shortly afterwards when the OVO Energy Tour of Britain riders arrive in Stow at about 1.30pm heading north to Moreton.

Lead cars – which are normally about 15 minutes ahead of the riders – should begin to arrive in Stow at 1.15pm.

To help the crowds cheer on their favourites, free hand held flags – kindly sponsored by the Unicorn Hotel - will be available on the day.

Aside from the racing events, businesses in the town will be ensuring that there are several other things to see and do on the day.

Perhaps the stand-out attraction will be at Christopher Clarke Antiques in Sheep Street.

Aside from displaying @SKODAUK ‘King of the Mountain’ cycling colours, the shop will also host a charity ‘Wheels in Motion’ exhibition including vintage bikes and old photographs from Friday September 8 to Saturday September 16.

Elsewhere, many shop fronts will be decorated to commemorate the event, with ‘winner’s jersey green’ bicycles (courtesy of Bainton Bikes) and a sheep theme much in evidence.

The former R. A. Bennett shop in the town square will be used to promote the event, and the Stow Social Club in Well Lane will be showing the race live on TV.

Further details about the events in Stow are available from the the town council clerk on 01451 832585 or email info@stowonthewold-tc.gov.uk.