EXMOOR and West Somerset will again feature on the route of the prestigious Tour of Britain cycle race when it returns to the South West in September. Although the exact route is being kept under wraps until an official launch at the end of the month, it seems cyclists will travel from Chard across Exmoor and into Devon and back to the finish line in Burnham-on-Sea. Dan James, Exmoor National Park Authority's sustainable economy officer, said he was delighted the route would once again pass across the moor. "Last year's race was a real boost for Exmoor, attracting widespread support from local schools and communities across the area and having a positive impact on the rural economy," he said. As well as the park authority, Somerset County Council, Devon County Council and South Somerset District Council are all supporting this year's race. The tour is due to reach Somerset on Tuesday September 9, with full details set to be unveiled on April 28. Cllr Jill Shortland, county council leader, said: "The success of the first ever South West stage of the Tour of Britain exceeded our expectations and we are confident that the 2008 stage will be even better. "The impact it has had on the local economy, the profile it has created for our county and the promotion of cycling is, indeed, profound."