WORLD-class cyclists will be racing through the streets of the Dudley borough when the Commonwealth Games arrive next year.

Dudley will be hosting a large section of the cycling time trial on August 4 next summer.

The race starts and finishes in Wolverhampton, but much of the course will be along the streets of Dudley, taking in key sites such as Himley Hall and Coronation Gardens.

The route runs through Dudley town centre from the Birmingham New Road, and passes Coronation Gardens and Stone Street Square. It also takes in Sedgley and Gornal before heading past the historic Himley Hall.

Roads including the Broadway, Moden Hill, Catholic Lane, Gospel End Street and Cotwall End Road are also included in the route.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "This is a significant event through the heart of Dudley. The focus of the games has been on Birmingham but we have an opportunity to showcase what we have in the borough. From the changing the skyline as part of the £1billlion regeneration programme in Dudley to the more established historic sites like Himley Hall.

"This is our opportunity to be part of a global event and I am delighted we have been chosen to do that."

Halesowen Cycling Club joined senior council bosses to begin the countdown to the games next year. Club chairman, David Viner has been lobbying for the course to come through the borough for many months.

The club, which has been running since 1937, is one of the leading cycling clubs in the West Midlands and has a proven track record of developing world class cyclists such as Olympians Jess Varnish and Helen Scott.

David Viner, chairman of the Halesowen Cycling Club, added: "Cycling is one of the traditional events at the Games and this is a wonderful opportunity to not only inspire the next generation of cyclists but the sporting stars of the future.

"We already have some incredible riders at the club who are already making a noise on the national stage. That means cycling in the borough is in a very good place so it is only right that the organisers have chosen to bring some of the biggest names in the sport here."