The opening stage of this year’s edition of the British stage race marks the first return to Liverpool since 2008, when Alessandro Petacchi won the sprint finish and Geoffroy Lequatre sealed overall victory ahead of Stephen Cummings.

In recognition of the growth of cycling in Britain during recent years and the success of British riders and the Tour of Britain, the UCI has bestowed Hors Category status upon the weeklong stage race on British soil, thus offering more ranking point to riders and, by default, making the race attractive to WorldTour teams. This should attract an even better field and with the race scheduled for September 7-14, it falls nicely before the road race world championships and no longer clashing with the team time trial event.

There is one cause for concern, however, as the Tour of Britain will end on the same day as the Vuelta a España, meaning that 2013 winner Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) is unlikely to defend his victory. He plans to use the Vuelta a España to prepare for the world time trial championships.

The complete race itinerary of the 2014 Tour of Britain is expected to be announced shortly.