Click here to read the full releaseEventScotland today (Wednesday 8 September) announced that the Grand Depart of The Tour of Britain will return to Scotland in 2011, riding the through the regions of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.
“The Tour of Britain is a highlight on the cycling calendar for top international cyclists and enthusiasts from around the world. EventScotland are delighted to announce that this world class event will return to Scotland next year and we are already in the planning stages to ensure that our stage will one of the best of The Tour for everyone involved,” said Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland.
Stage Three of the 2009 Tour began in the Scottish Borders town of Peebles which saw spectators line the streets, strong local and national media coverage and local business getting into the cycling spirit with window dressing and other community activities. In 2011 the region will host the ‘Grand Depart’ with details of the route to be announced early next year.
Vicky Davidson, Scottish Borders Council Executive Member for Economic Development said, “This is excellent news for Scotland. When the Tour was here in 2009 it had a considerable impact on the Scottish Borders and to secure the Grand Depart and the Tour Ride really will keep the Scottish Borders on the map as a world class cycling destination. Businesses got right behind the event in Peebles last year and thousands of spectators turned out to watch the event, so I anticipate a great response next year.”
Dumfries and Galloway have been involved since 2005 and will provide the perfect setting for the end of Stage One in 2011.
