The Tour of Britain will wind its way through the Sussex countryside and along Brighton seafront this year.

Sir Bradley Wiggins is expected to defend his title and be among those heading to the finishing line on Madeira Drive in September.

The penultimate stage of the country's largest free-to-watch sporting event will see the best cyclists in the world snake across the South Downs before tackling the famous Ditchling Beacon climb before finishing in Brighton.

The stage finish on September 13 comes 20-years after the Tour de France finish in the city, and 24-years since the last time the Tour of Britain came to Brighton.

Race Director Mick Bennett said: “We are delighted to be bringing The Tour of Britain to Sussex and Brighton for the first time in the race's modern history.

“While the finish in Brighton is definitely one for the sprinters, the South Downs and Ditchling Beacon in the closing kilometres will pose a real challenge to them, and set up what I am sure will be a fantastic finish on the seafront.”

The tour, which features eight stages across the country, will run from September 7 to 14.

It kicks off in Liverpool before travelling to Wales, Bristol, Exmouth, Exeter, Bath and Hertfordshire.

The final stage will see the teams compete in a time trial and circuit race in London in the same afternoon.

The seventh stage will start in Camberley, in Surrey, before entering West Sussex.

After passing through the likes of Horsham and Haywards Heath it will head east to Uckfield before heading to Eastbourne and Newhaven.

The final few miles will see the peloton tackle the gruelling Ditchling Beacon before rolling into Brighton and sprinting along Madeira Drive.

The day's racing will see a number of roads closed across the county, with organisers praising local councils for their cooperation.

Ian Davey, lead councillor for transport at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “It's so apt that a stage of the race should finish in a city which has seen an explosion of cycling in recent years.

“As a city we're really improving cycling facilities so now I'm hopeful The Tour of Britain will inspire even more people to take up cycling for fitness, recreation and transport.”

Howie Blanks, secretary of Brighton and Hove Cycle Touring Club, which has 400 members, said thousands would turn out to show their support.

He said: “Sussex is a fantastic place to cycle, many of our rides at the weekend are virtually traffic free.

“I think it is fitting the tour is coming to Brighton as it is a reward for all the good work which has been done for cycling in the city.

“From looking at the route the top of Ditchling Beacon will be a fantastic place to watch.

“It will also be good to see them coming through a number of the towns and villages along the way and then of course Brighton for the finish.”

While the line-ups are yet to be announced, household names such as Bradley Wiggins, the defending champion, and Mark Cavendish, a veteran of the race, are expected to take part.

For more details visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk.