Thousands of cycling fans are expected to line the streets of Pewsey today as the Tour of Britain races through the village.

The tour first hits the Pewsey Vale in Rushall where people can watch cyclists, including last year’s Tour of Britain winner Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, from the verges of the Pewsey Road.

Among the crowds will be pupils of Rushall Primary School who have been brushing up on their cycling knowledge by watching TV programmes and looking at maps.

The school has been using the event to promote an active lifestyle and teach the children about the importance of staying fit and healthy.

From Rushall the cyclists will make their way to Pewsey.

Wiltshire councillor and portfolio holder for leisure and sport Jerry Kunkler, said: “If you look at the figures for how many people have watched it on TV in the last few days you can see it will be a good for the village.”

Today villagers, led by artist Sue Faux, will decorate the route as part of the Have a Go project.

Ms Faux, a parish councillor and owner of Caroline Dalrymple soft furnishings in the High Street, said: “Everyone is very supportive and I think people are getting excited.”

Students from Pewsey Primary School, St Francis and Burbage School will be watching as the cyclists race past.

Laura Briscall, communications officer at St Francis School in Pewsey, said: “Our senior pupils are walking down to the village centre to cheer the race on.

"We encourage pupils and staff to cycle to school where possible and last year we had a Year 8 pupil who cycled in every day.

“Our senior pupils take part in Bikeability sessions every year and nursery has a soft surface play road in their playground which they use race round on their trikes, bikes and scooters, so St Francis is very pleased to support the race and delighted it’s coming so close to the school.”

Youngsters at Easton Royal Academy have also been making preparations.

Finance and admin officer Alison O’Shaughnessy said: “We are doing assemblies so they know what they are watching and the children have been doing art work like bike paintings.

"One student brought in a sculpture made of bicycle parts.”

In Marlborough bike shop Bertie Maffoons is organising a ride out to Pewsey from the shop at 10am.