Golden bicycles will provide a colourful backdrop to the Tour.

Wiltshire Council is decorating the route with 30 gold-painted recycled bicycles featuring messages of support at key points along the route.

With thousands expected to line the route, the gold-painted bicycles, provided by Hills Waste Solutions, are set to be captured by television crews following the race by helicopter.

Leader Jane Scott said: “Wiltshire is preparing to host many of the world’s top cyclists and Wiltshire Council is determined to make it a day to remember.

“Wiltshire Council is organising a number of events for the community to enjoy and the gold bicycles will add to the atmosphere of celebration.

“The gold bicycles will remain on display after the race to continue the focus on the council’s 2012 Legacy programme to boost health and wellbeing and benefit the local economy.”

Henry Newbery, recycling manager for Hills Waste Solutions, who operate 11 the household recycling centres for Wiltshire Council, said the recycled bicycles could not be repaired to be ridden again.