Scotland could host the opening stages of the 2017 Tour de France if a bid backed by British Cycling and Scotland’s First Minister is successful.
The group coordinating the bid, Event Scotland, say ‘discussions are on going’ with ASO, the Tour’s organisers and a formal proposal is underway.
The hope to “keep the Tour in Britain for as long as possible” will see the riders head south from a preferred grand depart in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, said: “To bring such a fantastic event to Scotland would be a huge coup, but we have a strong track record and I know that the country has a huge amount to offer ASO and the cyclists taking part.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting major international events.
“I have no doubt that the combined expertise of the UK partners would lead to a first-class opening stage of the Tour.”
Organisers hope to build on the success of the Tour’s 2007 visit to London and Kent, and momentum from the 2012 Olympic Games and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Ian Drake, CEO of British Cycling, said the Tour 2007 visit had been a great success and pledged to throw the organisation’s weight behind Event Scotland’s bid.
UK Sport will help shape the bid, an agency that has secured the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London and the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow.
Director, Simon Morton, said: “The Tour de France is a spectacular competition, and would provide a fantastic opportunity to engage the British public in the sport.”
