The Tour of Britain will return to Scotland in 2011 after it was announced the opening stage of next year’s race will take place in the Dumfries and Galloway region.

The Tour last visited Scotland in 2009, when Edvald Boasson-Hagen, now of Team Sky, won stage three from Peebles to Gretna Green.

Next year’s race will also pass through England, Scotland and Wales for the first time since the Tour of Britain was re-launched in 2004 after a five year hiatus.

“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.”

The 2010 Tour of Britain will get underway on Saturday, with the first of eight stages taking the peloton 132.6km from Rochdale to Blackpool.