HAYTOR’S Tour of Britain summit stage finish will be one of the toughest hill-climbs in this year’s competition, according to race director Mike Bennett.

And the Devon stage’s victor could crucially point the way to who wins the overall race.

Stage six of the cycling spectacle starts in Sidmouth on September 9 and will see the cyclists pass through Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Willand, Tiverton, Crediton, Moretonhampstead, Chudleigh and Bovey Tracey before ending at Haytor.

Devon County Council along with Teignbridge Council, Dartmoor National Park, East Devon District Council and Sidmouth Town Council is hosting the sixth stage.

Mike said: ‘Riders will be facing a route which will include some of the toughest and ScaronKODA King of the mountains climbs in the history of the modern race.’

Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highways, Cllr Stuart Hughes, said: ‘Once again all eyes around the world are going to be on Devon.

‘The Haytor summit finish will not only be one of the toughest climbs of this year’s Tour but because it is the only stage finish riders are going to have to give it everything and not leave anything in reserve.’

Fans can watch live coverage of the event on Bike Channel UK as well as ITV4 which is also showing live footage and a daily highlight show.