There is only three sleeps until the world’s best cyclists come through Ottery in their bid to win this year’s Tour of Britain.

Organisers have pulled out the stops to fill the morning with activities for residents and visitors of all ages in the build up to the race.

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and his fellow riders will receive a warm greeting from the town’s pixies and members of the public who will hold symbolic tar barrel torches as the riders come through the town.

Early risers will be able to enjoy a cycling ‘big breakfast’ being served up at eateries in the town and youngsters can take part in a ‘build a bike’ treasure hunt by searching for bike parts in the windows of Ottery shops to win a prize.

There is also a cycling jersey competition, a shop window competition, and activities in the library tomorrow (Saturday) and on Monday.

Ottery is the first King of the Mountain hill of stage two with riders hoping to be the fastest up Chineway Hill before continuing on the route through Honiton to North Devon.

Riders with strong legs can also take on the King of the Mountain challenge before the tour arrives.

Rolling road closures will be in affect for a limited period to allow the race and race vehicles to travel through and will be enforced by police and civilian motorcycles.

Cllr Josefina Gori, the chairman of the Tour of Britain steering group, hoped the town would turn out in force to wave flags and hang flags out of windows to welcome the tour.