SCHOOLCHILDREN are excitedly awaiting their chance to cheer gold medal Olympian Bradley Wiggins and Tour de France stage-winner Mark Cavendish as they lead out the start of stage three for this year's Tour of Britain in Jedburgh on Tuesday, 11 September.

In his honour, children from Jedburgh, Denholm, Hawick and Newcastleton schools will line the start of the route and wear their 'Wiggo' sideburns and wave their flags.

Richard Lord of Scottish Cycling and local cycling clubs will also join the lead out through the streets of Jedburgh. Representatives from Peebles CC, Gala CC and Kelso Wheelers of all ages will wear their club colours and ride out with P7 pupils from Jedburgh.

With links to the Olympics and the success of Team GB's cycling squad, the pupils are very excited to be part of something as big as the Tour of Britain. They have been working on school projects about the Tour and following their 'teams' during lessons. A preview evening will be held in Jedburgh Town Hall the night before the Tour which will profile the school children's work. Local youth riders Katy Winton, Lucy Grant, Calum Magowan, and Connor Telfor who are aiming for big things in the coming few years will also attend the preview evening.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Community Learning, said: "It has been a fantastic summer for cycling with Bradley Wiggins' fantastic Tour de France win, so closely followed by Olympics success for Britain's cyclists. It is hugely exciting that the school children will get the chance to see these cycling heroes in action. I would encourage local people to go along to Jedburgh Town Hall for the preview evening and see the children's work on their 'teams' the night before the Tour.

"Throughout the year, children have been completing their Olympic Passports by participating in a range of Olympic sports and will soon receive their gold, silver and bronze medals. The Tour of Britain is a great chance for them to see our Olympic medal winners and cheer on these cycling superstars." Councillor Stuart Bell, Executive Member for Economic Development, welcomes the Tour of Britain to the Borders: "The Borders is becoming increasingly well known amongst cyclists and visitors as Scotland's leading cycling destination with our excellent network of routes, specialist shops and facilities covering mountain biking as well as road racing. Hosting the Tour of Britain over the last few years has raised the profile of the Borders amongst top-level cyclists and has also inspired many young Borderers to do more cycling.

"I hope everyone who can go along to Jedburgh on 11 September, line the streets and cheer the Tour of Britain riders on as they set off on stage three."