CYCLISTS will face a “tough” route in the Borders for the opening stage of the Tour of Britain Men’s race.

Some of the world’s top talent will head to the region in September for the 20th edition of Britain’s biggest professional bike race.

And details for the stage one contest have been unveiled.

It will take in a 181.9-kilometre (113.1-mile) route starting and finishing in Kelso, passing through Coldstream, Gordon, Melrose, Denholm, Jedburgh and St Boswells, with more than 2,300 metres of ascent. 

The course features two loops, enabling spectators in Kelso and Melrose, and on the categorised climbs at Scott’s View and Dingleton, to see the cyclists in action twice. 

From Kelso the race will first head east alongside the River Tweed to Coldstream, turning north and west via Greenlaw, Gordon and Smailholm to the first ascent at Scott’s View. 

The 2.5km climb averages 2.5 per cent, and is followed within 10km by the tougher 6.2 per cent average gradient of the two kilometre climb of Dingleton. 

The route continues south to Denholm, climbing Dunion Hill (three kilometres at 5.4 per cent) and descending into Jedburgh before returning to Kelso alongside the River Teviot. 

Riders will then repeat the intermediate sprint in Melrose and the King of the Mountains climbs at Scott’s View and Dingleton, the latter coming with just under 23km of racing remaining, to set up a thrilling chase back to the cobbled finish in Kelso. 

The stage will also feature three intermediate sprints, where time bonuses and points for the sprinters jersey are available.

Race director Rod Ellingworth said: "The Scottish Borders has a long history with the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men and so we are delighted to have worked with our partners at Scottish Borders Council to come up with this spectator friendly, and challenging route, for the riders. 

"With five categorised climbs this will be a tough opening stage, and is by no means certain to end in a sprint, so should set up a thrilling battle between the sprinters and those riders who believe the final climb at Dingleton can be a launchpad to victory in Kelso." 

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for community and business development, said: “The route for the Scottish Borders stage of this year’s Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is superb and will be a fantastic advert for the Scottish Borders and cycling in the region. 

“It is especially exciting to have the element of a loop through Kelso, the iconic viewpoint at Scott’s View and Melrose, giving spectators the opportunity to see the race on multiple occasions. 

“We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to enjoy not only some world class cycling, but also our brilliant local businesses and additional activities and events that we are planning.” 

The Tour most recently visited the Borders in 2022, when Cees Bol took a thrilling stage win in Duns. 

Following the opening stage on September 3, riders will head to the Tees Valley, south Yorkshire, east Midlands, and west Northamptonshire, before concluding in Suffolk.