THE Tour of Britain, which caused much excitement when it visited the Okehampton area last September, is gearing up for another two day spectacle of world class cycle racing in Devon and Somerset, this time featuring Tavistock and Dartmoor.

Devon and Somerset county councils this week announced they will host another two stages of the tour, taking in both counties on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 14 and 15, with stage five starting at Tavistock Town Hall.

Stage five is 109 miles long, starting from Tavistock, passing through Princetown and crossing the Dartmoor National Park before heading back to Somerset, and finishing in Glastonbury.

The Tour of Britain 2010 takes place over eight days, from Saturday September 11 to 18, and the demanding South West stages are expected to be a crucial couple of days, providing a stern challenge for some of the world's best cyclists.

Last year's South West stages saw almost a quarter of a million people turning out along the routes to see the racing, generating almost £6 million for the economies of Somerset and Devon.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'We're proud to be co-hosting another two stages of The Tour of Britain this year. Last year's tour was outstanding, with record crowds turning out to see the action.

'The crowds provided a special atmosphere last time round and this is a perfect chance for them to show their support again.'

Hugh Roberts of The Tour of Britain, said: 'The two Devon and Somerset stages of the 2009 race were a great success, thanks to the large crowds and the vast number of school children that attended. Our aim for the 2010 event is to put on another spectacular show for the crowds.'