Some of the world's best cyclists will be speeding through Stockport in less than a year - and the route they'll be taking has now been confirmed.

Stockport will play a starring role in what will be stage two of the Tour de France Femmes on Saturday 31 July 2027, where the athletes will cycle 154.4km from Manchester to Sheffield.

It's all part of the UK 'grand departure' stage, before the cyclists move onto the continent.

The racers will enter Stockport from Manchester via the A6.

From here, they'll speed through Heaton Chapel, the town centre, past Mersey Square and Viaduct Park before turning left on the A6 at Nangreave Road.

After this, they will travel past Aquinas College through Offerton and past the new Marple Hub, before progressing onwards towards the Peak District.

This stretch will see some serious climbing, including Winnats Pass and Snake Pass.

The route for Stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes on Saturday 31 July (Image - Tour de France avec Zwift / via Stockport Council)

Cllr Dan Oliver, cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: "It's incredibly exciting to be able to see exactly where the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will be heading through Stockport.

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"Having such a prestigious international sporting event travelling through our borough will be a fantastic occasion, and I know communities along the route will be looking forward to seeing the riders pass through.

"From the A6 through Offerton and Marple, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of the race right here in Stockport. I'd encourage everyone to take a look at the interactive map and start thinking about where they might watch from.

"Our teams are busy creating plans for fan zones and events while the race takes place so I'd encourage everyone to keep their eyes on the council's channels for more details when they were announced.

Lee Gibbons, British Cycling's interim group chief executive and Grand Départ GB board member, added: "The reveal of the full routes is always a milestone moment, and even more so when the races start here and we can see how the story will continue when they leave Britain.

"Excitement in this historic moment is continuing to build in all our communities with the impact being felt across the UK, particularly with the 17,000 people who have volunteered to play a part in the Grand Départ as a JOY Maker volunteer.

"This highlights once again the power of cycling to contribute to change and to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds."

Residents can have a closer look at the route on the official Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Stage 2 interactive map.