Scottish Borders town Peebles will host the start of a Tour of Britain stage for the first time in September, after the new 750-mile course was announced today.

Stage three of the eight-stage race will, on September 14 - see the 96 riders begin in Peebles and finishing in Dumfries and Galloway, which was the start venue for the final stage in 2007.

Since the Tour of Britain, the nation's flagship cycling event, returned following a four-year absence, it has started twice and finished once in Glasgow between 2004 and 2007.

Last year the penultimate stage began in Glasgow and finished 153-km in Drumlamrig Castle and was won by Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen, who was crowned sprint champion.

"I am delighted that the Borders has won the chance to host a Tour of Britain stage," said Vicky Davidson of Scottish Borders Council.

"It attracts competitors from across the world and significant TV and press coverage.

"We are working with the Tour organisers on the proposed route to ensure that we show as much of the scenery of the Borders as possible."