Tour of Britain organisers have issued a call for volunteers ahead of the eighth edition of the UK’s biggest race.

The 2011 race starts on Sunday September 11 and will cover 1,235km over eight days, finishing with a double stage in central London – an individual time trial and an 80km criterium.

“We’d like to publicly thank those who have already volunteered to be a part of The Tour of Britain,” said race director Mick Bennett.  “Without volunteers events like the Tour of Britain and other cycle races in the UK simply couldn’t happen.

“We are officially launching the drive to recruit volunteers across the entire Tour of Britain, but in particular we are looking for around 500 volunteers for the TfL London Stage on Sunday September 18, which is due to be our biggest ever day of The Tour of Britain.”

Volunteers are required for the start and finish of each stage, along with all 21 King of the Mountains climbs and at 19 intermediate sprints.

The majority of volunteers are needed as course marshalls to provide vital support at strategic points in the race, while other roles include assisting in the running of team parking, spectator liaison and conducting spectator surveys.

Volunteers will receive a goody bag containing items from the Tour and its range of official suppliers and partners.

Pro Vision Clothing will also be offering a 20 per cent discount on official Tour of Britain merchandise, while all volunteers will go into a draw to win a pair VIP hospitality passes for a stage of their choice during the 2012 Tour of Britain, as well as an IG Markets Gold Jersey signed by this year’s winner.

To volunteer, head to www.tourofbritain.co.uk, click on the Volunteer tab and complete the form.  All volunteers will receive further information later in the month, when a volunteer manual will also be made available to download.