Tonight at 5.30pm in front of St Alexander Nevski Cathedral in the centre of Sofia, the 71st edition of the Tour of Bulgaria will start.

The competition, which will be held from August 25 to 29, will finish in Gabrovo. 18 international and 4 national teams will participate. They will compete in 4 categories: best time, most active rider, best climber and best time for a young rider (up to 23 years old).

The Road Infrastructure Agency warns motorists to drive carefully, to respect the traffic signals and the temporary organisation put in place in connection with the cycling tour. Traffic will be gradually restricted along the route.

The first cycle race in Bulgaria took place exactly 100 years ago - in 1924.