Some of the world’s top cyclists will race into Dumfries when the first stage of the Tour of Britain finishes on 11 September 2011.

After leaving the centre of Peebles, the first stage travels along the Tweed valley to Innerleithen. It then heads uphill, taking the race over a series of climbs to Tweedsmuir, and on to Moffat. After reaching Dumfries, the stage race around a loop of Dumfries and Galloway, before sprinting towards the finish line in Dumfries.

Relaunched in 2004, after a 5 year absence from the calendar, the Tour of Britain is now the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event.

The Tour of Britain attracts some of the world’s top cyclists, including Olympic and World Champions and Tour de France stage winners, to compete on British roads each September.

16 teams of 6 cyclists will start the first stage, with 7 of the squads recently racing in the Tour de France, including Sky, HTC Highroad and Leopard Trek. Also competing will be top domestic British teams such as Rapha Condor Sharp, Team Raleigh, Endura Racing, Sigma Sport – Specialized, and Motorpoint Pro Cycling.

The 9 stages of the Tour of Britain take place over 8 days, from Sunday 11 to Sunday 18 September 2011. The first stage runs from Peebles to Dumfries, finishing on Whitesands. The final stage is an individual time trial in central London, finishing on Whitehall. Along the way The Tour visits North West England, Wales, the Potteries, Devon, Somerset and East Anglia.

For full details of the Tour of Britain see: www.tourofbritain.com

The first stage, from Peebles to Dumfries, is the result of partnership working involving Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, EventScotland and the Tour of Britain. Dumfries and Galloway Council has paid £20,000 to attract the first stage finish to the region.

With a day of cycle-related entertainment for all the family being organised, it is expected that the event will attract a large number of people to Dumfries town centre. It is anticipated that the event will have a significant economic impact for the region, through visitors and television coverage.

The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland Tour Ride takes place on Sunday 4 September, 1 week before the first stage of the Tour of Britain. This event gives cyclists the opportunity to ride on part of the official Tour of Britan route while raising money for the Prostate Cancer Charity. Riders can choose whether to take on the 170km pro ride from Peebles to Dumfries or the shorter 70km challenge ride. For full details see: www.tourride.co.uk

Filed under: Community Submitted News • Events

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!