SIR Bradley Wiggins will ride through Sussex in defence of his Tour of Britain title – and bring £3 million to the county as the “wiggo factor” makes it a “must-see event”.

The 2012 Tour de France champion and multiple Olympic gold medal winner has been confirmed for the race, which takes place between September 7 and 14.

The seventh stage, which starts in Camberley in Surrey and ends in Brighton, will snake through the Sussex countryside on September 13.

Councils and businesses will hope to cash in as more than £3 million is expected to be spent locally on the day.

Race organisers are expecting a quarter of a million fans to line the route through Sussex.

Sir Bradley, who won the race in 2013, will miss the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain) to attempt to defend his title again this year.

Cycling fans in Sussex will get a chance to see the riders make the 226km journey from Camberley to Brighton.

The stage will snake through Midhurst, Petworth, Billingshurst, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Uckfield, Eastbourne, Seaford and Newhaven.

The riders will then turn north and head through Lewes before tackling Ditchling Beacon.

Heading into Brighton, the race will go through Coldean and on to Lewes Road beforeturning up Bear Road and then down on to Wilson Road. They will swing right on to Marine Parade and up to the Palace Pier before turning back on to Madeira Drive and sprinting for the line near Yellowave.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s economic development and culture committee, said the “Wiggo factor” would make the stage a “must-see event”.

He said: “We’re expecting thousands to line the route in Sussex and the city will be showcased to an international audience. Last year’s race recorded a net visitor spend of £3 million per stage so it will be significant for our visitor economy.”

Louise Goldsmith, West Sussex County Council leader, said: “It will be wonderful to watch a great champion during the race and we hope huge numbers come out on to the streets of the towns and villages along the route to see it live.”