Tour de Little France? Scotland’s bid to lure cycling’s No 1 spectacle

EDINBURGH has been identified as the starting point for the 2017 Tour de France if a joint bid by EventScotland, British Cycling and UK Sport, backed by First Minister Alex Salmond, succeeds in bringing the cycle race to Scotland.

The race, which is one of the world’s most-watched annual sporting events, could inject millions of pounds into the capital’s economy and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. It brought in two million spectators and generated an extra £88 million for London and Kent during its last UK visit in 2007.

The bid would be based on the opening ceremony, pre-race time trials and the Grand Départ being held in Edinburgh, with the riders then heading south towards England.

The move confirms a story first revealed in The Scotsman two years ago, that Scotland would mount a bid for the race for the first time.

Tour organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) visited Edinburgh in November and EventScotland said a “very positive working relationship” had been established.

EventScotland said the route had yet to be discussed, but it could involve Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade, using the seating erected for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

It said the bid had the full backing of the Scottish Government, while discussions had also taken places with councils in England and Wales.

A spokesman said: “A number of options have been considered, with the overall aim of keeping the Tour in the UK for as long as possible.”

The event is expected to cost up to £15m to stage, including £5m for the Scottish leg.

The year 2017 has been 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, but we have a strong track record, and I know that the country has a huge amount to offer ASO and the cyclists taking part.

“I have no doubt that the combined expertise of the UK partners would lead to a first-class opening stage of the Tour.”

The Tour attracts a global TV audience of two million, with the world’s greatest road riders among its 200 competitors.

Simon Morton, director of major events and international relations at UK Sport, which is responsible for securing major events for the UK, said: “The Tour de France is a spectacular competition, and would provide a fantastic opportunity to engage the British public in the sport.”

British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake said: “The last visit to Britain by the Tour de France was a great success for all involved and is still held in very high regard by those riders that took part.

“We will do all we can to encourage ASO to choose Britain as a host venue and to encourage them to keep their amazing race on our shores for as many stages as possible.”