Tour of Britian cycling event announces final stage in north-east
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The final stage route for the Tour of Britain in September, which will take in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen, has been announced.
Scotland will this year host the overall finish of the Tour of Britain for the first time since 2008, with two stages in the country capping off what promises to be a spectacular edition of the UK’s biggest cycle race.
In addition to Aberdeen becoming the most northerly place to host a stage finish, Edinburgh will welcome the race back after a four-year absence, while Stonehaven and Hawick will make their debuts as start locations.
The race will go ahead subject to local conditions and in line with relevant national guidelines and UCI protocols.
Tour of Britain organisers SweetSpot are working closely with EventScotland and all the local authorities along the route in Scotland to ensure that the event can take place safely.
Stage eight from Stonehaven to Aberdeen will take place on Sunday, September 12.
Stonehaven is the day’s starting point and, by popular demand from local cyclists, the route includes the ŠKODA King of the Mountains climb at Cairn o’Mount (3.35km, 9.5 per cent average).
The peloton will briefly head into the Cairngorms National Park, with Ballater marking the most westerly point of the stage, before the run in to the finish line on Aberdeen’s Esplanade begins.
Aberdeenshire Council leader councillor Andy Kille said: “The route announcement of the final stage of the Tour of Britain is something we have long waited for and feels incredibly significant for our region.
"Seeing the teams line up in Stonehaven and then taking on some of our spectacular climbs and sprint stretches will be exciting. The eyes of the world will be on us.
“I am aware that the team are working hard behind the scenes to make sure that this event can go ahead as safely as possible, and I want to reassure our communities that everything is being done to ensure we are delivering this race in line with regulations and safety measures.”
Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire said: “We’re proud to welcome some of the best cyclists in the world to the roads of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as the Tour of Britain event comes to an exciting end.
"No doubt the spectacular route from Stonehaven to Aberdeen will inspire cyclists watching on television to venture north to take on our iconic climbs and enjoy our renowned hospitality.”
Aberdeen City Council Leader, Councillor Jenny Laing, said: “We welcome the announcement, which many people have eagerly been waiting for. We look forward to hosting the Tour of Britain in Aberdeen in September and enjoying the many positive impacts at a regional level for tourism, health and wellbeing.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the north-east, one that signals our ambition as a council to build momentum around our post-Covid economic recovery plans. Officers are continuing to work with race organisers, partners and stakeholders to ensure that we take this opportunity to celebrate all that our city region has to offer.”
Chairwoman of Nestrans councillor Sandra Macdonald said: “Across the north-east we have a wealth of cycling routes with features that make for dynamic, challenging and breathtaking rides.
"The Stage 8 route will showcase some of the very best we have to offer as a fantastic destination for cycling. It is great to see the area continuing to develop as a host for competitive cycling.
"I know that the Tour of Britain will leave a legacy that will inspire and impassion others to take to the pedals.
“Nestrans has an important role in championing cycling as an attractive option for travel. This includes developing and improving routes and facilities, connecting communities, delivering grants, working with schools and businesses and promoting road safety.
"Our work with partners through our sustainable travel brand, Getabout, focuses on making it easier for people to choose to cycle.”
For full details of the other stages in the tour visit https://tourofbritain.co.uk
