Prepare for eight days of gruelling racing set among the most beautiful backdrops England and Wales have to offer…

Tour Of Britain, Sunday 2 September, 10.45am, ITV4/HD (CH 118/178)

When it comes to cycling, we’re a nation of Lycra-clad obsessives. Give us a frame, two wheels and a handlebar and we’re happy. So if you’re the sort of person who loves getting in the saddle, you should tune into the 2018 Tour of Britain, live on ITV4.

This year's spectacle is even more special than usual, because Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and Team Sky buddy Chris Froome will be among the riders looking to claim the title when the race sets off from Thomas’ home country of Wales.

Starting in Carmarthenshire and finishing on Regent Street in London, this year's battle for cycling supremacy will also take in the gorgeous landscapes of Devon, Cumbria, Nottinghamshire, and more. Plus, with a team time trial featuring for the very first time, it’s all teed up to be a memorable Tour.

Click/hover on the stages below to learn more about the race.

Last year’s champion was the excellently named Dutchman Lars Boom, who claimed the title for his LottoNL-Jumbo team, but they face tough competition to hold onto the trophy. Thomas’ Team Sky and Cavendish’s Team Dimension Data will be in the hunt, as will BMC Racing and Team Katusha-Alpecin, who both had riders come close in 2017.

Aside from the team time trial and pivotal sixth stage in Cumbria, you’re going to want to look out for the gruelling 13 per cent inclines in Challacombe on day two, some 20km from the finish line in Barnstaple. We couldn’t blame you for feeling a little smug sat there on your sofa with your feet up as the riders test their bodies to the absolute limit...

Tour Of Britain, Sunday 2 September, 10.45am, ITV4/HD (CH 118/178)