SOME of the biggest names in world cycling are set to wheel their way around Worcester - with an ambitious bid being launched to bring the world's biggest women's bike race to the city.

Riding high on the runaway success of a stage of the Tour of Britain starting in Worcester back in 2014, county leaders are now hoping to have an entire stage of the Women’s Tour of Britain held entirely in Worcestershire next year.

Backers of the bid say securing a full stage of the event - widely regarded as the women’s equivalent of the Tour de France and certain to attract some of the biggest names in the sport - would cast an international sporting spotlight on the Faithful City, as well as sending a positive message about getting more women involved in sport.

Back in 2014 thousands gathered in Worcester to wave off the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish as the fourth stage of the race started outside the Hive, before winding its way through Worcestershire and then off toward the finish line in Bristol.

Business chiefs say hosting that event boosted the county's economy by £1 million and it is believed securing the Women's Tour could yield a similar response.

The Women's Tour of Britain bid is dependent on the county securing £150,000 in sponsorship.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is spearheading the fundraising drive and Worcester City Council has signalled its support by earmarking a £15,000 contribution to kick-start the cause, subject to councillors agreeing it next week.

City council leader, Cllr Adrian Gregson, said: “Worcester’s reputation as a top sporting city is growing all the time and securing a complete stage of the women’s Tour of Britain would be a big boost to tourism and our wider economy.

“The Tour is the biggest cycling event in the world for women, and sends out a brilliant positive message about getting more women competing in all areas of sport.

“In recent years our proud city has hosted the start of a stage of the men’s Tour of Britain, the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships, the annual Worcester 10k race and many more sporting jewels.

"I’ve no doubt that residents and visitors alike would line the streets in their thousands to cheer on the nation’s best women cyclists.”

Mike Ashton, chief executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It would be truly prestigious for Worcestershire to host a complete stage of the women’s Tour of Britain – a full day of some of the world’s finest athletes competing on the county’s streets.

"I’m hoping businesses will get behind this great initiative and help us reach the £150,000 sponsorship target.”

Local businesses keen to support the bid should contact Mr Ashton by emailing mikea@hwchamber.co.uk to find out more.