ANTICIPATION is building ahead of the third Landmarc Cycle Wiltshire Grand Prix.

Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Team Wiggins will be one of the 11 professional cycling teams that will be racing through south Wiltshire in the race on Sunday, May 8.

About 140 elite riders from top professional teams will take part in the elite cycle race, part of the British Cycling’s Motorpoint Spring Cup Series.

This year the day starts with the team introductions at the Salisbury Market Place from 10am.

The riders will then set off under non-race conditions at 11am.

The peloton will head through the city centre including the Cathedral Close, before the official race start in Wilton.

The racing circuit will then take in Burcombe, Barford St Martin, Compton Chamberlayne, Fovant, Ebbesbourne Wake, Bishopstone and Broad Chalke, with riders taking on the challenging climb of Fovant Hill multiple times.

The race will pass through Wilton five times and will finish in Blue Boar Row in Salisbury at about 3pm.

Wiltshire Council Leader Jane Scott said: “We have been extremely fortunate in Wiltshire to have seen lots of top class cycling right on our doorstep. I am delighted that the rise in the profile of cycling has inspired so many people to get on their bikes, get fit and enjoy themselves in our beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

“I’m sure lots of people will be thrilled to see the riders compete and I know many will also be taking up the challenge on 2 October to cycle one of our Sportive rides. Both events promise to be exciting, active and a lot of fun.”

The event is part of the council's Legacy for Wiltshire initiative, which focuses on encouraging people to keep fit and active, bringing local communities together and boosting the local economy.

Last year’s winner was European champion Andy Tennant.

For more information, visit cyclewiltshire.org.uk.