MORE than 250,000 people are expected to take to the streets of Sussex as the Tour of Britain arrives today.

The race will be broadcast across the world live for more than five hours, with local businesses expected to rake in an extra £3 million.

Hotels and restaurants are booked out and extra buses are being put on to ferry spectators along the route.

Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish will be the star attractions, but it will be fellow Brit Alex Dowsett who will wear the Yellow Jersey into Brighton.

The Essex-born rider, who won Commonwealth time-trial gold earlier this year, took the coveted leader’s jersey following a sensational ride from Bath to Hemel Hempstead yesterday.

Geoffrey Bowden, Brighton and Hove City Council’s chairman of economic development and culture, said: “It’s great to see the city coming together to welcome this significant sporting event.

“Brighton is very good at hosting major events and this is an essential part of the city’s local visitor economy.

“Having the race finish here is a real coup as the atmosphere towards the end will no doubt be electric.

“I hope as many residents as possible will be among the spectators cheering on the riders to make this year’s race a truly memorable one.”

The red carpet has well and truly been rolled out for the race with roads being smoothed over and shop window displays created to reflect the country’s new love affair with two wheels.

Brighton Wheel played its part by turning yellow last night – the colour of the leader’s jersey.

It is not only Brighton putting on a show for the riders, towns and villages across the county are pulling out all the stops too.

Eastbourne is holding a cycling festival with competitions and stalls, Haywards Heath has combined the race with its annual town day and in Newhaven there will be a special cycling-themed market.

Big screens will also be put up for the race in Seaford, Eastbourne, Lewes and Horsham.

One farmer from Dymock Farm, near Seaford, has even created a special surprise for the TV helicopter by laying out a giant Sussex shield on tarpaulin in his field.

Councillor Carolyn Heaps, of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “Eastbourne has such a strong cycling connection thanks to our many events and the stunning but challenging South Downs terrain, that I am sure we can expect a big crowd and a truly atmospheric day.”

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