A major sporting event will engulf Marlow this summer as the final stage of a cycling tour sets off from the town and snakes its way through the Chilterns.

The second edition of the Friends Life Women's Tour will conclude this June with a stage through the Chiltern Hills between Marlow and Hemel Hempstead on Sunday, June 21.

Last year’s Women’s Tour featured stars including London 2012 medallist Lizzie Armitstead, and was won by Dutch rider Marianne Vos.

It will mark the first occasion that the tour has visited the area, and build on the successful hosting of a stage six of the men's Tour of Britain in September.

The spectacle was delivered in partnership with by Buckinghamshire County Council, Wycombe District Council, Chiltern District Council, LEAP and Dacorum Borough Council in Hemel Hempstead.

Martin Tett, leader of BCC, said: “We're really excited to be hosting the final stage of the Friends Life Women's Tour cycling event. The day is going to be a fantastic opportunity for people to see the world's top cyclists go head to head against the stunning backdrop of the Chiltern Hills.

"This event will be a fun day out for all ages. I hope both residents and visitors will join us to make Buckinghamshire's leg of the cycling tour a huge success."

Race organisers describe the new route – which will be confirmed in detail in the spring – as “testing and challenging”.

For more information, visit www.womenstour.co.uk/news