Some of the world's top cyclists are in the south of Scotland for the first stage of the Tour of Britain. The opening leg of the week-long event, which finishes in London, runs from Peebles in the Borders to Dumfries. Among those due to compete are multiple Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish and world road race champion Thor Hushovd of Norway. Race organisers said they expected the finish on the Whitesands in Dumfries to be "hotly contested". Other big name racers taking part include Team Sky's Geraint Thomas, the highest placed British rider in this year's general classification at the Tour de France. The opening stage starts in Peebles and sweeps through the Borders before crossing into Dumfries and Galloway with the finish line in Dumfries.