THE cream of British cycling is being targeted in one of the biggest road races to take place in Glasgow.

Organisers of British Cycling's National Road Race Championships 2013, are hoping to attract cycling royalty such as Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, David Millar, Lizzie Armitstead and Kayleigh Brogan.

And businesses are being urged to get ready as the city prepares to host the most prestigious cycling race in the UK.

More than 20,000 letters will be distributed to shops, restaurants and offices along the city centre route of British Cycling's National Road Race Championships 2013, warning them to prepare for an influx of visitors.

The race on the 14.2km course, which will take place on Sunday, June 23.

This is the first time it has been held in a city, and dozens of the city's busiest roads will be closed for the event which starts and finishes in Glasgow Green.

On the day thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets to watch the men's and women's races.

And organisers hope Glasgow businesses will be able to cash in on the excitement as visitors looking for places to eat, drink, sleep and visit while they are in the city.

One business looking forward to a boost in trade is cycling shop Billy Bilsland Cycles, which is located on the race route as it passes through the Saltmarket.

Neil Bilsland, the shop's manager, said: "It's really exciting that the national road race is coming to Glasgow and especially as it's also the first time the race is being held in an urban environment.

"With elite cyclists weaving through the heart of the city this is Glasgow's chance to prove that it can hold sporting events such as this and the support of local businesses will be crucial to its success.

"We're planning to stream the race using a webcam perched outside the shop."

The course will form part of the proposed route for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and takes in come of the city's most famous streets and landmarks including George Square, Kelvingrove Park, Byres Road, Park Circus, Glasgow University and Glasgow Cathedral.

The road closures have been announced today, with letters, explaining parking restriction and road closures, expected to reach businesses, organisations and residents along the race route this week.

The letters, from race organisers Glasgow Life, will ask businesses to consider how suppliers and deliveries will reach their premises, whether vehicle access is required, refuse collection and how staff will travel to work.

A race inquiry line will be provided as well as a business information session .

Business boss Stuart Patrick claimed the major sporting event would give a boost to retail, tourism and leisure industries as well as preparing businesses for what they may face during the 2014 Games.

Mr Patrick, the chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "Major sporting occasions are vitally important to Glasgow, and this event will bring thousands of people to our city centre."

matty.sutton@eveningtimes.co.uk

l Last year the National Road Race Championships (NRRC) were held in Ampleforth in North Yorkshire.

l Ian Stannard won the men's race while Sharon Laws was first woman home.

l The winner earns the right to wear the British Championship jersey, which is red, white and blue.

l Notable names who competed last year include Lizzie Armitstead, Paralympic cyclist Sarah Storey and Oli Beckinsale, who is best known as a mountain biker.

l 2013 will be the first time the National Time Trial Championship is contested as part of the same weekend as the road race events. The Time Trial will run through East Ayrshire on Thursday, June 20.

l The highest point in this year's NRRC course in Glasgow is in Gibson Street, with notable climbs at Lynedoch Street, Sauchiehall Street and Cathedral Street.

l The shortlist of riders taking part will be announced in the fortnight prior to the event.