Olympic medallist Mark Cavendish is set to headline a star studded field as the cycling Tour of Britain heads through Powys next week.

Just days out from the start of the race on September 5, provisional line-ups for the 18 competing teams were made public for the first time with Cavendish, winner of the most stages in modern Tour of Britain history, set to be joined by Tokyo 2020 medallists Wout van Aert, Ethan Hayter and Rohan Dennis along with reigning UCI road world champion Julian Alaphilippe.

The fourth stage of the race gets underway in Aberaeron on September 8, with cyclists heading to Aberystwyth, Borth and Machynlleth before continuing to head north through Corris, Dolgellau, Barmouth, and Harlech before finishing at the Great Orme in Llandudno.

The race is expected to pass Machynlleth's famous clock tower at around midday.

Deceuninck – Quick-Step, the most successful team in modern Tour of Britain history, will be led by fan favourites Cavendish and Alaphilippe. The Manxman won the last three of his 10 stage victories in the race riding for the Belgian team in the 2013 edition, and returns to Britain after a spectacular Tour de France in which he won four stages and the points jersey.

"It is always an honour to race on the home roads of the Tour of Britain," said Cavendish.

"It is a race where I have always enjoyed success and I am really looking forward to racing with what I know will be a strong Deceuninck – Quick-Step team. It has already been a special year for me and riding the Tour of Britain will be a great way to see so many of the people who have supported me throughout."

Frenchman Alaphilippe, who will be easily distinguishable to roadside spectators owing to his world champion’s rainbow jersey, has been tipped by many to repeat the overall victory he achieved in the 2018 race.

"I am really looking forward to racing the Tour of Britain, which will be my last in the rainbow jersey, that I have been so proud to wear for the last 12 months," he said.

"I had a successful race in Britain the last time I was there in 2018, and I know it will be a hard-fought race this time. It will be the perfect race for me to take on, ahead of the world championships. We come here with a strong team and will look to race hard, as we always do."

Organisers have confirmed that spectators will not be allowed at the start line in Aberaeron for safety reasons, but they can support the event along the route whilst being mindful of social distancing and road safety.

The event will also be televised live and in full on ITV4, as well as in over 150 countries around the world.

Cyclists are expected to be travelling through the different places along the route at the following times:

  • Aberaeron 10.30am
  • Aberystwyth 11.15am
  • Borth 11.30am
  • Machynlleth 12 noon
  • Dolgellau 12.30pm
  • Harlech 12.55pm.