ONE of the special stages of the 2009 South West Tour of Britain cycle race will pass through Sidmouth and Sidford in September.

ONE of the special stages of the 2009 South West Tour of Britain cycle race will pass through Sidmouth and Sidford in September.

The two race routes were unveiled in Axminster on Tuesday and will cover 346km in all, starting in Frome and ending in Yeovil, passing through the Devon Jurassic Coast.

During the second race, riders will pass through Honiton, Sidmouth and Sidford, making the steep climb up Trow Hill before going down to Seaton, crossing the River Axe and heading towards Chard.

Graham Jones, race route director, believes these stages could help determine the winner.

He said: "For the first time ever, The Tour of Britain will have two fantastic stages take place in the South West region.

"Stage six, which makes its way over Exmoor, will prove to be a testing stage for the riders, while stage seven will be one of the toughest and keep the overall winner in doubt until the very end of the Tour."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Sidmouth, Sidford's Devon County Councillor, said: "I am really keyed up that we have one of the special stages, using Trow Hill as one of the King of the Mountains, a sprint and hill climb.

"When they go up Trow Hill they will be timed and the first one up will get a special bonus."

He said the Sid Valley would be given a real publicity boost from the race, which is televised across the world.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, DCC's executive member for environment, agreed.

She said: "There is enormous prestige and economic benefit attached to the Tour. It's the sort of boost our local economy and our local communities need.

"It will further advance our ambitions to be a premier cycling destination and the greenest county.