A WEEK of activities has been announced to welcome the Tour of Britain, launched by Malvern's own Commonwealth Games and Olympic cyclist.

Liam Killeen is behind the initiative as people in Malvern and Upton wait eagerly for the competition to pass through the towns.

There will be family bike rides, the Church Street Hill Climb, vintage cycle display, Elgar vintage bike ride, cycle extravaganza street entertainment, bike skills demonstrations, have a go road time trial and road rides.

Liam, who also represented England at London 2012 and has worked with Malvern Hills District Council to stage the week, said: “The Malvern area is a fantastic place for all forms of cycling and is hugely popular locally so welcoming the Tour of Britain is a great opportunity to highlight the sport, the area and the enjoyment of cycling."

Along with Liam, fellow mountain bike World Champion Tracy Moseley is supporting local cycle group, Malvern Cycle Sport, with the Birchwood Bash at Storridge on September 13th and 14th.

The event will commence on Saturday, September 13, with a day of top class mountain bike skills coaching for five to 16 year olds with the opportunity for them to put those skills into practise with a race day for all ages on Sunday.

A documentary, Bicycle, exploring the history of the bicycle in Britain will also be aired on Thursday, September 11, which will feature Tracy.

Simon Smith, Economic Development Manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase a sport that is very close to our hearts locally and to welcome the Tour through the two towns. "

In addition, the WI Centenary baton will also be passing through on the same day. The baton is travelling the country stopping at various Women's Institutes to mark the charity's 100 year anniversary.

The activity week starts on Sunday, September 7, until Sunday, September, 14.

The full programme can be seen at visitthemalverns.org/tour_of_britain

For more details, or to register, on he Birchwood Bash visit britishcycling.org.uk and search for Birchwood