STAGE SEVEN of the 2021 Tour of Britain will start in Hawick on Saturday and finish in Edinburgh, following an extensive route through the Scottish Borders.

The 195km stage will start in North Bridge Street, Hawick at 10.45am before heading for the Ettrick Valley, via Roberton. The riders will climb up to Berrybush, where King of the Mountain points will be on offer, then race on to Innerleithen for a town centre sprint. After tackling the hills of ‘The Granites’ the riders will cut east to Heriot and race down the A7 to Stow.

More King of the Mountain points will be available as the race climbs out of Stow towards Lauder, where there will then be sprint points available. A further sprint will take place in Duns, before a climb up to Wanside Rig via Ellemford and Cranshaws. The race will then drop down into East Lothian before a sprint for the finish line in Edinburgh city centre, in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat.

Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place in Hawick, while rolling road closures will operate across the route and organisers have published information and advice for spectators planning to watch the race along any part of the route.

They say: “Have a plan B – if you arrive at any point on the route and find it busy, please be prepared to move on to another location.

“Take personal responsibility – only stay at a location if you have space. Consider wearing a mask if it makes you feel safer.

“Give people space – avoid crowded areas and remember face coverings are advised as they often help others to feel safe too.

“Parking is limited – please only park where parking is available, stick to local parking restrictions and never park on the route. Can you cycle or walk safely to the location where you want to watch the cyclists pass? Consider public transport where possible.

“Respect the safety of the riders – please give them space as they pass along the route. Please note that you will not be able to access the team parking areas at the start and finishes.”

ITV4 will screen live coverage of every stage of this year’s Tour of Britain, along with highlights every evening, with many broadcasters from around the world also showing coverage.