Giants of the road will be coming to line today (Weds) to start the racing in the OVO Energy Women’s Tour, which comes to Worcestershire on Saturday

Four Olympic Champions, eight World Champions, three Commonwealth Champions and dozens of current and former national champions will be taking part in the most prestigious stage race in the women’s calendar.

Names like London 2012 champion Marianne Vos, and double world champion Giorgia Bronzini, and former winners of the Tour itself, such as defending champ Kasia Niewadoma , and 2015’s winner Lisa Brennauer are also aiming to end up in the winner’s green jersey.

Controller of the race for organiser Sweet Spot, Guy Elliott, who was part of the team that started the race said: “When we set the Women’s Tour up wanted it to be one of the best races in the world, and this field shows the riders love coming here for it. They love the support they get from the crowds.

“It’s also one of the few top-class sporting occasions where girls can come and see elite women athletes and be inspired by them without them being overshadowed by men.”

One Worcester institution has particular reason to get excited about the race.

Twice British time trial champion Hayley Simmonds will be riding for her team WNT- Rotor and speeding right her old school King’s, just yards from the finish line

Liz Eliott, the schools development director, said: “Hayley was a very determined and committed sportswoman and scholar during her school days and has continued to exhibit these qualities throughout her sporting and academic life. She is an example of what it is possible to achieve through resolve and focus. We have been delighted to follow her progress in so many different areas and we are especially pleased that Hayley will be cycling past her old school as part of this prestigious race.”

See Worcesternews.co.uk for full coverage of the race, the route, road closures and timings