Tour of Britain set for Scotland start in 2011

Next year's Tour of Britain will start in Scotland, the race's organisers announced on Wednesday.

The Scottish Borders and Dumfires and Galloway will host the 2011 Tour of Britain's opening stage. The Tour last visited in Scotland in 2009, when stage three took place in Peebles.

"The Tour of Britain is a highlight on the cycling calendar for top international cyclists and enthusiasts from around the world," said Paul Bush, CEO of EventScotland.

"EventScotland are delighted to announce that this world class event will return to Scotland next year and we are already in the planning stages to ensure that our stage will one of the best of The Tour for everyone involved."

Precise details of the Scottish stage will be released early in 2011. A mass participation ride for 1,500 cyclists is also being planned to coincide with the stage.

Tour of Britain: Related links

Tour of Britain 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index