Edinburgh start for 2017 Tour de France backed by First Minister

EDINBURGH’S ambitions to stage the of the Tour de France in 2017 advanced today with backing from Alex Salmond for a joint bid by EventScotland, British Cycling and UK Sport.

The event could inject millions of pounds into the capital’s economy and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The bid would be based on the “Grand Depart” in Edinburgh followed by stages of the race south towards England.

Tour organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) visited Edinburgh last year, with 2017 chosen for the bid to avoid clashing with other major sporting events.

Mr Salmond said: “Scotland has a strong relationship with the international cycling community, and I am delighted that a proposal is being developed for the opening stages of the Tour de France. To bring such a fantastic event to Scotland would be a huge coup.”

The Tour attracted 2 million spectators and brought a £88m economic boost to London and Kent during its last UK visit in 2007.