The tourism sector is set to get a major boost when the OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycling event passes through Gloucestershire.

And to help businesses find out more Cotswold Tourism has organised two public meetings about the event and the opportunities it will present.

The penultimate stage of the televised OVO Energy Tour of Britain on Saturday 9 September will include several Cotswold locations. The public meetings take place on 15 May at 5.30 pm at Moreton-in-Marsh Fire Service College and on 17 May at 5 pm at the White Hart Inn, Winchcombe.

Businesses near the route - or those with a specific interest in cycling - are invited to register to attend either of the meetings at dotmailer-surveys.com/e8qjv6f-282cc858

Stage seven of Britain's premier road cycling event on 9 September will traverse a sizeable area in the Cotswolds, including Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh. Riders will then turn westwards towards Winchcombe and finish in Cheltenham town centre.

This event should provide a significant boost for the local tourism sector as crowds flock to see more than 120 professional cyclists, including the world's elite, vying to win the British crown.

Nick Akerman, events account manager at Moreton-in-Marsh Fire Service College, is looking forward to the meeting at his location which will be attended by a representative from Sweetspot, the Tour of Britain organiser:

He said: "The Fire Service College looks forward to welcoming local businesses, communities and organisations that have an interest in cycling and the wider visitor economy.

"Here at the College, as well as our core weekday fire and rescue training, we regularly provide weekend overnight accommodation for various groups including cyclists, walkers and others enjoying this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We need to make sure that all of us work together to make the most of this unique promotional opportunity for the Cotswolds."

Cllr Jim Mason, Chair of Winchcombe Town Council, said: "The Tour of Britain is a massive opportunity for us to showcase all that Winchcombe and the Cotswolds has to offer.

"We're really looking forward to working with groups, schools and businesses locally to see how we can make the most of this international event and attract visitors to the area, as well as inspire our communities.

"When the Tour previously travelled through Winchcombe it was very much a crowd-puller and the whole town celebrated. We want to be able to continue encouraging cycling for tourists, as well as our local residents. Not only does cycling encourage healthy, active lifestyles - but it provides a lot of enjoyment to."

www.ovoenergy.com