Tour of Britain to start in Edinburgh for the first time

Cycling's Tour of Britain will start on Edinburgh's Royal Mile later this year, organisers have confirmed.

The route for this year's race has been announced, with it getting underway in the capital on September 3.

The first stage will also pass through East Lothian, before finishing in Kelso in the Scottish Borders.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland's Director of Events, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming the Tour of Britain back to Scotland this summer. The open stage will take in some truly wonderful and iconic scenery as it travels from Edinburgh, through East Lothian and onto the Scottish Borders, providing an amazing spectacle for spectators and riders alike.

"Scotland is the perfect stage for cycling events and the Tour of Britain is fantastic race that brings strong economic and social benefits to the country. EventScotland is proud to be long-term partner of the event.”

It will be the sixth time that the opening stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain has taken place in Scotland since the race was revived in 2004.

The race has only once before visited Edinburgh, in 2015.

Mick Bennett, OVO Energy Tour of Britain Race Director, said: "We are delighted to be able to start this year's Tour of Britain from the very heart of Edinburgh for the first time, and a location that is famous the world over.

"The backdrop from the Royal Mile of St Giles Cathedral and the Castle will provide a fitting send off for the world's top riders."