This year’s Women’s Tour of Britain is set for a record field, with 18 teams taking to the start line.

Twelve World Tour teams headline the 108-rider event, which begins in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire on Thursday, 5 June.

Belgian Lotte Kopecky, of Team SD Worx – Protime, will defend her title while Team Picnic PostNL’s British champion Pfeiffer Georgi is also involved.

Teams from 10 different countries will be represented, while EF Education – Oatly and AG Insurance – Soudal will make their debut appearances.

“This year’s incredible line-up of teams is testament to the hard work that has gone in to the Tour of Britain Women over the past 18 months and shows the huge support that the race has from UCI teams outside of the UK,” said Jonathan Day, managing director of British Cycling Events.

“We are thrilled to have such a great line-up of UCI Women’s World Tour teams coming to the event, showing the appeal of racing in Britain in front of the amazing crowds we attract, while at the same time it will be fantastic to once again see all our British registered women’s UCI Continental teams racing in a prestigious event on home roads.”