PRO cyclists racing the gruelling Tour of Britain face a tough course over Gwent roads.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the roads to see the race.

Hosting a stage of the five- day tour is the biggest cycling coup yet for the county and could generate more than £500,000 for the local economy.

The 105-mile stage on Saturday September 4 will make heavy use of the Southern Distributor Road and bridge just days after their official opening. To show the city off to international media, the race starts at the velodrome and crosses over the new bridge before passing The Riverfront theatre.

Top international cyclists - including veterans of the Tour de France - have signed up for the Tour of Britain after its five year absence.

Tour spokesman Michael Heal said: "There's an immense amount of interest as everyone has been waiting for a Tour of Britain to be revived this year.

"We've worked very hard with the council and Newport Unlimited, who were keen to incorporate key landmarks into the route."

Mr Heal said a recent study by Sheffield Hallam University showed major sporting events brought an average £500,000 to the host city. He added: "The teams, their back-up and the organisers make up 400 people alone who need hotels."

The spin-off for the Gwent economy will be far greater. The event is expected to attract cycling fans from across the UK and the BBC will televise the race for the first time.

Hugh Roberts, commercial director of The Tour of Britain, said: "There is enormous interest in this event and the last time it took place it attracted over three million spectators along the route and at the city centre finishes."

The tour is committed to returning to Newport for the next three years and organisers say this year's field is the best to race in Britain since the Tour de France visited Portsmouth in 1994.

On that occasion the world's greatest bike race drew 138,000 day visitors; booked up 44,000 hotel beds and generated almost £6m from visitors.