DRIVERS in Southampton were being warned to watch out for extra cyclists on the roads today as the Tour of Britain makes its debut in the city.

Stage one of the event started in Reading this morning and was finishing in Southampton this afternoon.

Ninety-six professional cyclists were due to end up sprinting into the city's Hogland's Park at about 2pm this afternoon for the finish of the 87-mile journey that starts the British equivalent of the world-famous Tour de France.

Police and the city council are advising motorists to be aware of disruptions to some roads in the city which will close for a time as the cyclists are expected to take around ten minutes to pass through Southampton.

Palmerston Road will be closed all day between Houndwell Place and South Front as this will play host to finish line activities and events from 11am and traffic diversions will be in place for alternative routes.

The following roads will be affected: Redbridge Causeway, Redbridge flyover, Redbridge Road, Millbrook flyover, Millbrook Road West, Mountbatten Way, Western Esplanade, Civic Centre Hill, Civic Centre Road, New Road, Kingsway, St Mary's Road, Houndwell Place.