Some of the world’s best professional cyclists are expected in East Lothian as the penultimate stage of the Tour of Britain passes through the county on 11 September.
Rescheduled to 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 17th edition of the UK’s most prestigious cycle race (Sunday 5-12 September) will cover more than 1,300km (807miles) in a route that once again includes two stages in Scotland, and a first overall finish in Scotland since 2008.
Stage 7, from Hawick to Edinburgh, enters East Lothian from the Lammermuirs before passing through Gifford and Pencaitland before finishing in Edinburgh. East Lothian boasts a King of the Mountain challenge at Wanside Rig in the Lammermuirs.
The race will adhere to national road cycling protocols and COVID guidelines with the race organisers working with local authorities to ensure that the event can take place safely.
The race finishes in Aberdeen on 12 September – the most northerly finish in the Tour of Britain’s history.
Detailed routes and timetables for the Tour of Britain stages can now be found by visiting www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages while more information for spectators for both Scottish stages will be announced in the coming weeks.
Provost John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said:
“The Tour of Britain’s return to East Lothian is fantastic news. As well as being one of Scotland’s top visitor destinations, East Lothian boasts some fantastic places to see and explore by bike.
“I’m hopeful that the exposure the county will get through coverage of the race will help to highlight some of the wonderful countryside and scenery with which are we are fortunate to be blessed.
“It’s also a terrific opportunity for cycling fans to see some of the world’s top cyclists in action.”
Relaunched in 2004 after a five-year absence from the calendar, the Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, held annually across eight days in September.
The free-to-watch sporting spectacular features Olympic, world and Tour de France champions, and attracts a roadside audience of over 1.5m spectators. Live coverage of the race is shown daily in the UK on ITV4, in addition to around the world. The Tour of Britain is part of the UCI ProSeries, making it one of the most prestigious sporting events in the sport’s global calendar.
Follow the Tour of Britain on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or via the event’s official website at www.tourofbritain.co.uk