Independent parcel carrier Yodel is continuing its long-standing partnership with the Tour of Britain by sponsoring the international cycling event for the sixth consecutive year.

The eight-day event is the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and has previously seen stars including Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish battle it out along Britain’s roads for the coveted jerseys.

As in previous years, Yodel, in its role as official logistics partner, will have the responsibility of transporting the Tour’s equipment around the country, including the all-important start and finish line gantries, while its YodelDirect service will continue to sponsor the sprints jersey.

Dick Stead, executive chairman at Yodel, said: “The Tour of Britain is a well-loved fixture in the UK’s sporting calendar.

"Each one is bigger and better than the last and we’re extremely excited to be involved in this special Olympic year.

“Both the Yodel operation and the Tour are based on teamwork, speed and national reach and the partnership gives us a great opportunity to showcase our logistics capabilities as we take the event on the road.”

Alastair Grant, commercial director at the Tour of Britain, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our long running and successful partnership with Yodel across the Tour of Britain and the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, plus the official sportive of the Tour of Britain, the Tour Ride Worcestershire.

"We look forward to announcing the locations of the intermediate YodelDirect Sprints along the Tour of Britain route in the coming months and working with Yodel to engage the local community around each of these sprints.”

The event takes place from Sunday, September 4, to Sunday, September 11.

Further details of the race will be confirmed over the coming months with the national launch taking place in Bristol tonight.