SOME of the biggest names in cycling could make their way to Cumbria this year as the county looks set to be part of the Tour of Britain route.

Taking place between September 2-9, it is expected that riders will tackle stage six of British cycling’s premier event between Barrow and Grasmere on September 7.

Cumbria County Councillor for High Furness Matt Brereton outlined his understanding of the route, although highlighted that it had not yet been finalised.

"As far as I'm aware it's going from Barrow to Ulverston," he said. "From Ulverston to Greenodd and Penny Bridge, Lowick, Torver, Coniston, Hawkhead Hill and then I assume they would turn left and go to Ambleside and from Ambleside to Grasmere."

The Tour of Britain last made its way through Cumbria in 2016 - the third time the event had taken place in the county.

Starting in Carlisle and finishing with a climb up Kendal's Beast Banks, the event brought with it Bradley Wiggins, Owain Doull and Mark Cavendish.

Cllr Brereton said that he hoped organisers might be persuaded to have the route go right at the the bottom of Hawkshead Hill, so Hawkshead residents could benefit from the event.

"Obviously Cumbria is known as a place for recreational cyclists and mountain bikers so it's nice to get more road cyclists into the county," he said. "It will be televised and we saw what happened in Yorkshire with the Tour de Yorkshire and hopefully with a bit of luck it can spark off a bit of interest and enthusiasm for cycling, particularly among the younger residents."

He said that he was looking to organise 'bikeability' sessions in the weeks after the event, offering practical skills and understanding of how to cycle on today's roads.

"The effects are obviously going to be positive," Cllr Brereton said. "It puts Cumbria on the map. It's on national television and it could encourage people to come to Cumbria to cycle."

The official route will be announced on June 5.