International cycling stars are heading to Reading for the second leg of the prestigious Tour of Britain race next month. The race takes place over seven days in September and will feature top althletes being chased around the country by drug testers.

The race which attracts competitors from across the world, including cheats from the Tour de France will start at Palmer Park, follow London Road down the pavement, before racing through the pedestrianised areas of Broad Street, through the mall, past the civic offices before finishing the second stage at the Coronation Square BMX park in Southcote where the cyclists can restock their drug supplies from the local dealers.

Highlights of the event will be screened on national TV – with BBC News 24 giving Reading prime time publicity, as the anti-doping experts descend on the town.