British Tour de France Grand Depart details unveiled

More details have emerged about the British Cycling-backed Tour de France Grand Depart bid, which is aiming to bring the race back to these shores as early as 2014.

Stemming from Event Scotland's desire to host the race predominantly north of the border, this submission would now take the race into Wales and spend at least two days in England.

Speaking during today's Track World Cup meeting in Glasgow, BC's Cycle Sport and Membership director Jonny Clay and Event Scotland's Stuart Turner confirmed these details about the bid:

- It comprises four days, all of which will be road stages.

- Edinburgh would host the Grand Depart, with stage one ending in the south east of Scotland or in northern England.

- Day two would be an all England-stage, potentially ending in Manchester.

- Wales would welcome the Tour on day three, with Cardiff a possible finishing point. If the plan goes ahead as planned, the stage would be contained in the county.

- The route of the final British stage would be dependent on where the Tour recommences in France, although it is widely expected to be in the south of England.

Clay said that their plans would bring the Tour to within one-hour of 50% of Britain's population.

A bid from Yorkshire to host the Tour during the same period has also been submitted to Tour organiser ASO. CW understands that this comprises four stages, three of which would be held in the area.

ASO are expected to announce their decision before spring next year.

See Thursday's Cycling Weekly for more details.

Related links

Glasgow Track World Cup: Cycling Weekly's coverage index