Scotland in bid to host Tour de France

SCOTLAND is in the process preparing to bid to host the Tour de France in 2017, with the possibility of the world’s best cyclists descending on Edinburgh or Glasgow for the Grand Depart.

With Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Gleneagles the Ryder Cup in the same year, EventScotland are keen to build on the events with further global spectacles, including cycling’s most prestigious race.

EventScotland chief operating officer Paul Bush told Press Association Sport: “The Tour de France is an obvious fit for Scotland.

“We can certainly operate it logistically, we’ve got a fantastic cycling heritage, we’ve had fantastic cycling performances in the last few years and in terms of visual pictures for the Tour and challenges for the riders it would be absolutely outstanding.”

Bush has met with Tour director Christian Prudhomme about the prospect of bringing the Tour build-up, the opening prologue – a short time-trial stage — and the first road stage to Scotland.

But competition could come from across the globe, with Prudhomme also fielding enquiries from Japan, the Middle East and the east coast of the United States.

Rotterdam in Holland hosted the 2010 Grand Depart, while this year’s race will begin in the Vendee region of western France.

Bush hopes the impact in Scotland could be similar to when London hosted the 2007 Grand Depart.

Bike sales and cycling to work experienced an upsurge soon after and a cycle hire scheme was installed.

“I went to London a couple of years ago and saw it and it blew me away.

“It was amazing,” continued Bush.

“I would hope if we’re successful in winning this bid in 2012 or 2013, it then gives us a three- or four-year run-in to develop a greater culture of cycling and then when the Tour comes it gives it an added boost.”