Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of Macclesfield when the Cycle Tour of Britain arrives on Tuesday (September 6).

The race, which will head through the town during stage three of the tour, will include Olympians Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish among the riders.

Although there are no guarantees when the riders will pass through the town, spectators are encouraged to allow plenty of time to find a good position to cheer the riders.

The convoy is expected to arrive in the Macclesfield area from around 1.30pm. Riders will travel from Over Alderley along Macclesfield Road and Chelford Road, through Prestbury village and up through Bollington and Pott Shrigley.

From here riders will head over the tops of the Bakestone Dale Road and are expected to reach Rainow by about 2pm.

Cyclists will then head back down towards Macclesfield, cycle along part of the Silk Road before heading up the Cat and Fiddle at about 2.30pm.

The route then takes riders through Siddington and Chelford, arriving about 3pm, before heading back to the finishing line at Tatton Park.

To minimise disruption all roads on the route will be closed using a rolling road block for around 40 minutes – both 20 minutes before and after the cyclists are expected to pass through each town, and spectators are urged to arrive in plenty of time to avoid the road closures.

Councillor David Brown, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I urge all residents and spectators to view the Cheshire Tour of Britain website for details of where and when the road closures will be in place, so that you can plan your journeys in advance.

“We know that many people will be travelling from outside the Borough to watch the race and so I urge them to also take note of the closures and allow extra time for their journeys. The Council has worked hard to minimise disruption for its residents while the race takes place and I hope that as many people as possible will be watching this exciting event as it makes its way across the Borough.”

The town has been preparing for the race’s arrival for months, and has been encouraging residents and businesses to get involved.

Dozens of orange bicycles already line the route and shopkeeprs are encouraged to install bike-themed displays in their windows. School children are also doing their bit by creating a display which can be seen by television helicopters as they follow the Cycle Tour of Britain. The display, which has been organised by Macclesfield Town Council, will be created by school children and volunteers from Incubation Arts at Victoria Park, promoting the town and its attractions, culture and history.

The council is expecting 154,000 spectators to line the route as it reaches the county. Of these, 80 per cent are thought to be from outside the local area.