Tour of Britain attracts 'record viewing figures'

Organisers of the 2010 Tour of Britain have proclaimed it the best yet after official television viewing figures revealed that an average of over 400,000 people tuned in to watch ITV4's stage highlights each night during the race.

Television viewing figures for the race were up 32 per cent on 2009. Estimates also put roadside spectators at over one million.

"Despite not always having the best of the weather in the first half of the week, we still had huge, passionate support on the roadside, showing the popularity of The Tour, and the sport of cycling in this country," said Hugh Roberts of race organiser SweetSpot. 

"From the feedback we have received from our partners, teams, riders, the media and spectators, I think we can easily say that this has been the best ever edition of Britain's national Tour." 

SweetSpot has also announced the dates for the 2011 edition of the Tour of Britain. The eight-day race will start in Scotland on September 11 and finish in London on September 18. Full details of the route will be announced in the spring.

The 2010 Tour of Britain was won by Swiss rider Michael Albasini of the HTC-Columbia squad.

Related links

Tour of Britain 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index

Tour of Britain 2010: stage reports

Stage eight: Albasini wins Tour of Britain, Greipel takes final stage

Stage seven: Bozic gives Vacansoleil second stage win

Stage six: Greipel strikes again in Tour of Britain

Stage five: Frapporti wins, Wiggins second

Stage four: Poels wins in Teignmouth

Stage three: Albasini wins in Swansea

Stage two: Henderson in yellow as Team Sky take charge

Stage one: Greipel takes opener