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The Tour of Britain has been going, in its current incarnation, since 2004. Prior to the five years when the race wasn't staged, there were a number of round Britain cycling races, known variously as the Milk Race, the Kellogg's Tour and the Pru Tour among others.

The 2008 race started in London on Sunday, September 7, to finish a week later in Liverpool.

Every year, thousands of spectators watch the various stages of the race with the "sprint" and "KOM" (king of the mountain) legs being particularly popular.

Stage 6 route map

The north-east of England stage is 156km long, starting in Darlington at 10am, passing through Sedgefield at 10.50am, Durham at 11.15am, Langley at 11.30, Annfield Plain at 11.35, and Harelaw at 11.40.

Having come through Durham on the A691, they'll turn right shortly after Witton Gilbert, going past the remains of Langley Hall for a Category three KOM climb.

They'll then skirt the south edge of Burnope, continuing towards Maiden Law, skirting round Annfield Plain, and sprint through Harelaw.

The competitors will carry on via Northumberland and Newcastle to Gateshead, arriving at approximately 1.55pm.