A world champion cyclist will be travelling through Carlisle early next month as part of the Tour of Britain.

French star and reigning UCI road world champion Julian Alaphilippe will return to the Tour of Britain next month for the first time since winning the UK’s leading race in 2018.

He will pass through Carlisle on the 10th September as he makes his way to Gateshead.

Mr Alaphilippe said: "I am really looking forward to racing the Tour of Britain, which will be my last in the rainbow jersey, that I have been so proud to wear for the last 12 months.

"It will be the perfect race for me to take on, ahead of the world championships. We come here with a strong team and will look to race hard, as we always do."

Alaphilippe will lead the Belgian Deceuninck – Quick-Step team in the Tour of Britain alongside home favourite Mark Cavendish.

He has a perfect record in the tour and is one of the most loved riders in the peloton today.

Alaphilippe will be easily recognisable to the many spectators who line the route owing to the historic rainbow jersey that he is entitled to wear.

His famed attacking prowess will automatically make him one of the favourites for the 2021 Tour of Britain, which begins in Cornwall on Sunday 5 September and includes a hill-top finish on the Great Orme, Llandudno.

Live coverage will be available on ITV4 in the UK, as well as in over 150 countries worldwide.