CUMBRIA will play host to some of the biggest names in cycling as it has been announced that the Tour of Britain will come to the county.

Stage Two of Britain's premier cycling event will begin in Carlisle city centre on Monday, September 5 before heading through the heart of the Lake District, passing through Keswick, Ambleside and Windermere before the finish atop the testing 11 per cent climb of Beast Banks in Kendal.

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The proposed 195-kilometre route includes the climbs of Whinlatter Pass above Derwent Water, averaging four per cent over its six-kilometre length and the iconic climb of The Struggle, which will be inside the final 30-kilometres of racing, rising from Ambleside to the Kirkstone Pass at an average gradient of eight per cent.

Sarah Williams, of Kendal Business Improvement District, is hoping the town's economy will reap the benefits.

She said: "I think it'll be a big boost to the area and one we desperately need.

"Businesses have suffered here recently but what better way to tell people that Kendal is open for business?

"It can do nothing but good and it's absolutely amazing. It will bring people together.

"I'm hoping we will work with the district council to make the most of this opportunity, as well as using our own initiatives.

"We want to showcase Kendal and create a situation that businesses can take advantage of."