Tour of Britain cycle race through Aberdeenshire postponed
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The Tour of Britain cycle event which would have brought thousands of cyclists along with their families to the north east has been postponed.
British Cycling have decided to postpone the event from September 6 to 13 and the route, from Penzance including sections in Aberdeenshire and an overall finish in the city of Aberdeen, will instead take place in September 2021.
The decision has been taken in light of the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, which made planning and organisation of the 2020 race impractical.
Holding the run behind closed doors or with extensive social distancing rules was considered impractical and would not have allowed venues and spectators the opportunity the free to spectate event.
The full route for the race, which had already announced as visiting Devon, Warrington and Cumbria during its eight stages, will be confirmed later in the year.
Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Jim Gifford said: “Of course it is disappointing to hear of the postponement of the Tour of Britain, however it feels like the correct decision has been taken in the current circumstances. The team involved in bringing this stage to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have been working hard in the background throughout this pandemic to look at the various options and can now begin to focus their efforts on next year.
“I know the communities of Aberdeenshire will be looking forward to the rescheduled date and the global audience will have the chance to see how truly spectacular Aberdeenshire is in 2021.”
