The full route of the third stage of the Tour of Britain has been revealed as the cycling race returns to South Yorkshire for the first time since 2007.

Riders taking part in the event on 5 September will start in Sheffield and pass through Rotherham and Doncaster before finishing in Barnsley.

The UK’s biggest cycling race will be held over six days, starting in Kelso on 3 September and finishing in Felixstowe on 8 September.

Of the South Yorkshire route, race director Rod Ellingworth said: “We wanted to create a memorable and tough stage, and we are sure that with the route chosen we have done just that.”

Starting on Arundel Gate in Sheffield city centre, stage three will cover 103 miles (166km) and end on County Way in Barnsley – the first time the race has visited the town.

The route includes 8,860ft (2,700m) of ascents, with King of the Mountain climbs at Long Lane, in Loxley, Jawbone Hill, in Oughtibridge – which featured in the 2014 Tour de France – and Hound Hill on the outskirts of Barnsley.

Mr Ellingworth said: “There is a lot of climbing early on in the stage as we skirt the edge of the Pennines, and then what should be a really exciting finale, with the climb of Hound Hill and the drag up to the finish in Barnsley town centre combining for a tough end to the day’s racing.”

Along the way riders will also pass through Chapeltown, Wath upon Dearne, Swinton, Maltby, Tickhill, Conisbrough, Penistone and Worsbrough Common.

South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We’re a place that loves a bike race, and I know that thousands of people will be on the streets cheering them on across South Yorkshire, showing the whole world what we’re about.

“The Tour of Britain coming to South Yorkshire is another sign of confidence in our ability to do big, exciting things, and I can’t wait for us to be part of it.”

The Tour of Britain is organised by British Cycling and held annually in September.

Live coverage of the race will be shown daily on ITV4.

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