EXCITEMENT is building as cyclists on the Tour of Britain prepare to pass through Bury ­— taking in the Rake.

The country's biggest professional cycling race will fly back through the borough for the first time in 15 years this weekend for the final stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.

The final phase of the race will visit Ramsbottom as riders take in all 10 of the Greater Manchester borough, starting in Altrincham and finishing on Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

Stage 8 of the race will see the peloton take on a gruelling 165km route which encompasses almost 2,000m of climbing, including the famous "King of the Mountains" ascent of Rawson's Rake.

Leading cyclist are expected to enter the streets of Ramsbottom at around 1pm and recommended viewing spots include.

Already crowds are beginning to build with people taking out mats to sit on to watch the cyclists as they fly past.