The route for the Grand Départ was revealed in the town of Vejle, which will be among the areas visited during the three days.

Racing is due tol begin in Copenhagen with a 13-kilometres individual time trial.

Organisers expect a fast-paced time trial due to the flat nature of the circuit showcasing the Citadel, Queen Louise’s Bridge and Amalienborg in the Danish capital.

The second stage is set to see the peloton travel 199km from Roskilde to Nyborg, with the route expected to favour the classics specialists.

The stage will feature an 18km section of bridges, as riders cross the Great Belt on the run-in to the finish in Nyborg.

Three summit sprints will feature on the route, as well as an intermediate sprint in Kalundborg,

The 70km point in the stage will mark the furthest north the Tour de France has reached in the race’s 108 year history.

Racing in Denmark is scheduled to  conclude with a 182km third stage from Vejle to Sønderborg featuring an intermediate sprint in Christi­ansfeld and summit sprints on Koldingvej, Hejlsminde Beach and Genner Beach.

"The first few days of the Tour de France often set the tone and atmosphere of a race that develops into whatever the riders want to make of it over the following three weeks," said Christian Prudhomme, director of Tour de France.

"It is an exciting prospect to think that in July 2021 we will be applying the final touches to the start in the heart of a city that breathes and lives cycling.

"The first three stages will showcase the landscapes of Denmark and give rise to a wide range of scenarios in which power riders, echelon experts and sprinters will all get a chance to shine - a compendium of bicycle racing on flat terrain."

Copenhagen, Roskilde, Nyborg, Vejle and Sønderborg had been presented as starting and finishing cities last year.

The route announcement confirmed Lejre, Holbæk, Odsherred, Kalundborg, Slagelse, Kolding, Haderslev and Aabenraa among the Danish municipalities where the peloton will pass through.

"Today I am very pleased and proud that we can present three unique stages where the riders will pass some of the most beautiful areas in Copenhagen and Denmark," Frank Jensen, chairman of Grand Départ Copenhagen Denmark 2021 and Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, said.

"It’s going to be a celebration for Danes everywhere in our streets and on the country roads - and at the same time, we get to show our beautiful cycling nation to the whole world. It’s going to be absolutely amazing."

The full route of the Tour de France 2021 is due to be presented in Paris on October 22.