Some of the biggest names in cycling will be taking part in the Aviva Women's Tour next week as it comes to our region.

World Road Race champion Lizzie Armitstead and Olympic champion Marianne Vos have both been named in the 96-rider provisional line-up.

The race, which is now in its third year, begins on Wednesday, June 15 and will see competitors race 138.5km from Southwold to Norwich.

Around 15 of the world's top 20 riders in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rankings are due to take part, including last year's winner Lisa Brennauer and world number one Emma Johansson.

South Norfolk councillor Clayton Hudson, cabinet member for stronger communities and leisure, said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to see world class athletes in action for free.

'The district boasts plenty of great vantage points to see the best teams and 15 of the top 20 riders in the world competing on the roads of South Norfolk.'

The youngest rider taking in the event part will be Great Britain's Grace Garner, who turns 19 on the final day of the tour in North-amptonshire. Her older sister Lucy was due to compete in the race, but had to pull out after breaking her ribs over the weekend.

Other competitors include Dutch national champion Lucinda Brand and Anna van der Breggen, who was the silver medallist behind Armitstead in last year's World Road Race Championships.

The final line-up of riders will be confirmed on Tuesday.

Beginning in Suffolk, the race will finish five stages later in Kettering on Sunday, June 19. Highlights will be shown each evening on ITV4.

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