The Palais des Congress in Paris awaits the press and riders for the 2011 Tour de France route presentation.(Image credit: Sonja Csury)
A road ride in Garry, Scotland.(Image credit: Mike Broderick & Mary McConneloug)
Scotland is set to bid to host the start of the 2017 Tour de France. After Dublin in 1998, London in 2007 and Corsica in 2013, it would mark the fourth time that the race had begun outside of mainland Europe.
Either Glasgow or Edinburgh would be the scene of a city-centre prologue, before a road stage that may potentially link the two cities. The chief executive of EventScotland, Paul Bush, explained that Scotland’s historical ties with France make it an ideal Tour host.
"The event would have a huge impact if it was held here. The Tour would probably be based in the host city for up to a week before the first stage started and the impact on the economy would be huge."
The logistics of bringing the race from Scotland back to France have not yet been detailed, although it is thought that chartered trains may be employed. In 1998, the Tour convoy travelled by ferry from Cork to Roscoff overnight after the 2nd stage, while a late start to the 3rd stage to Lorient eliminated the need for the insertion of an early rest day.
However, the 2010 Giro d’Italia, which began in Amsterdam, had a rest day just four days in to allow the convoy travel to Italy.
It is understood that the Scottish Government will provide most of the £5 million required to host the event, which could yield as much as £100 million to the local economy.
Glasgow will host the 2013 junior world track championships.
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Barry Ryan is Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation, published by Gill Books.
