Scotland Bidding For Tour De France Opening

Scotland is lobbying the organisers of the Tour de France to follow in the footsteps of London and host the opening stages of the flagship cycling race.

Stated EventScotland’s Leon Thompson: ‘We’ve had the early conversations about the possibility of hosting the ‘Grand Depart’. It’s an iconic world-class event, and the kind of event that would sit very well within our portfolio.

‘We haven’t discussed possible years yet, or where it might happen. All conversations are at a very early stage and we’re really just looking at what the possibilities might be.’

This year’s time-trial prologue in London followed by the first stage through Kent down to the Channel coast were a huge success with record crowds lining the streets to watch the Tour go through.

However, Tour officials have confirmed the event will start in Brittany and Monaco in the next two years.