The Tour de France will pass through Epping Forest, Redbridge and Waltham Forest in 2014, it has been revealed.

The bicycle race, which is mainly routed through France but does occasionally 'visit' other countries during its early stages, will speed through the region on July 7.

The third stage will begin in Cambridge before travelling through Epping Forest and then on to Redbridge and Waltham Forest.

The news has been revealed by Waltham Forest Council.

Details of the route in Epping Forest and Redbridge have not been revealed, but it is thought the riders will go through Woodford Green.

Waltham Forest Council has confirmed the riders will enter its borough via Woodford New Road on the Woodford and Walthamstow border.

The race will then pass Whipps Cross roundabout and go on to Lea Bridge Road.

The route will then travel by Leyton Orient Football Club's ground before heading into the Olympic Park.

It will then travel on to Newham, Tower Hamlets, the City of London and Westminster.

Last year it was announced that Yorkshire would host the first stage of the competition on July 5 2014.

Waltham Forest Council leader, Cllr Chris Robbins, said: “This is fantastic news for Waltham Forest, following on from the inspirational performances at last year’s Olympics in the velodrome cycling is becoming more and more popular.

“I am sure that our residents will once again line the streets to welcome this great sporting event and cheer on their heroes.

"We’ll be using it to encourage more residents to get on their bikes and use cycling to become fitter and healthier.”

In a joint statement, Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of Redbridge Council, and Councillor Ian Bond, Deputy Leader of the Council, also welcomed the news.

They said: "Redbridge Council is delighted to be playing a part in one of the most famous and prestigious sporting events in the world.

"The Tour de France is an incredible test of skill, strength and endurance, and following Sir Bradley Wiggins success last year and the achievement of our Olympic and Paralympic Cyclists we believe this is an fantastic time to be involved with cycling on such a grand scale.

"We look forward to working with the Mayor of London and our partner organisations to make the event another truly memorable chapter in British sporting history."

Last year saw British success in the competition for the first time when Bradley Wiggins won.