EAST Lancashire geared up to welcome some of the world's best road racers to the region as the second stage of the Aviva Tour of Britain was officially launched.

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The event at the Nick o’ Pendle saw school pupils from Ribblesdale High School in Clitheroe and Pendle Vale College in Nelson cycle to the pinnacle with professional riders Ian Wilkinson and Paul Oldham before a flare was let off by Ribble Valley Mayor Bridget Hilton.

Around 120 riders are expected to take on the route on Monday, September 7, which has been billed as one of the toughest by race organisers Sweetspot.

Almost 200,000 spectators are due to descend on the Ribble Valley and Pendle for the event which is the first time a full tour stage has been held in the region.

Hailed as one of the region's biggest sporting occasions in years, the race is expected to leave a legacy similar to that of the Tour de France’s visit to Yorkshire almost 12 months ago.

Some of the fine details are still to be worked out including the king of the mountain stages and the sprints and are due to be revealed next month.

The only king of the mountain stage that has been confirmed is Pendle Hill which last featured in the tour in 2004 as part of the Manchester to Manchester stage.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stuart Hirst said: “Hosting the tour is one of the most significant projects to be undertaken by the council in its 40-year history.

“It reflects the ambitious and confident way in which we are promoting and developing the borough’s economic potential.”

Pendle Vale head teacher Steve Wilson said: “The launch was a fantastic event and it was great to have some of our students involved.

“On the day itself we will be allowing our students to line the roads and watch as the riders come past as it’s an event not to be missed.”

Chatburn’s Ian Wilkinson, a professional rider for Team Raleigh-GAC, said: “This kind of launch really hits home how big this event is going to be.

“I hope that it inspires people to take up the sport and leaves a long legacy for years to come.”

Ribblesdale High School head teacher Stephen Cox said: “Everybody is really excited about this race.

“We are going to be incorporating the race into the lessons on the day and the students will be able to watch it go through the town.”

Pendle Vale student Cory Edmondson, 15, who took part in the launch, said: “The launch has got everybody really excited and I can’t wait for it come around.

“It’s going to be such a big event for the area.”

More information about the race is due to be revealed over the coming weeks including the finalised route and the sprints and climbing sections.

To keep up to date visit the Lancashire Telegraph’s dedicated Tour of Britain website at: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/tour_of_britain.