Liverpool To Host Tour Of Britain Grand Depart
Race organisers have confirmed that Liverpool will host the opening stage of this year’s Tour of Britain on Sunday 7th September, while outdoor clothing brand Dare 2b has signed up to become the Official Clothing Partner and jersey supplier to event, in a three-year deal.
This is the first time the city has hosted the opening stage, although it has been involved with the event before by holding stage finishes in 2006 and 2008, and a mid-race stage start in 2007.
Stage One will start and finish on The Strand, taking in the world-famous backdrop of the Three Graces. It will consist of ten laps of a 13-kilometre circuit.
The full route will be announced at 7pm on Monday 31st March during the national launch.
Liverpool’s Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member responsible for sport, Councillor Wendy Simon, said of the news: ‘This is a huge coup for the city. It’s wonderful news that this world famous sporting event will begin in Liverpool.’
‘This race attracts some of the best riders from across the globe with previous races featuring elite cyclists such as Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome.’
‘There’s a real momentum building for cycling in this city. The latest figures show more people than ever are using bikes here and there’s a real appetite for it at the moment. And with the launch of our cycle hire scheme – the biggest in the UK outside of London – there has never been a better time for Liverpool to host this high profile event.’
Details of a mass participation event will also be announced soon, designed to coincide with The Tour of Britain’s arrival in the city.
Race Director, Mick Bennett, added: ‘We are delighted that this year’s Tour of Britain can start with such a prestigious stage in the centre of Liverpool.’
‘The opening circuit will be perfectly suited to the sprinters, and whoever wins Stage One will pull on the first yellow jersey of 2014.’
‘With the support of Liverpool City Council we are looking forward to making this year’s Grand Depart a memorable occasion for cycling fans.’
Meanwhile, outdoor clothing brand Dare 2b has come on board with the race, supplying all of the four leader’s jerseys for The Tour of Britain, as well as all staff and crew clothing, for the eight day event.
A new range of Official Merchandise for Britain’s biggest professional cycle race will also be developed, allowing fans to show their support of The Tour of Britain at the roadside this September.
The Tour of Britain was re-launched by SweetSpot Group in 2004 after a five-year absence from the calendar, and is now the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and the country’s largest free-to-watch sporting event.
