2011 Tour of Britain returns to Scotland

"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 TheTour 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.
 
Dumfries and Galloway have been involved since 2005 and will provide the perfect setting for the end of stage one in 2011.
 
In a bid to make the 2011 event bigger and better, a Tour Ride mass participation event will be encompassed into the Scottish plan, potentially attracting around 1,500 riders.

The weekend timing of the opening stage will attract large numbers of spectators to Scotland and local tourism will be set to receive a boost from the influx of visitors over the few days before and after the riders take to their saddles.