The Scottish Borders has once again witnessed a fantastic day of world class cycling, hosting the whole of stage one of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men yesterday.
Stage one of this year’s race started in Kelso and finished back on the town’s cobbles, following a 181.9km route entirely within the Borders, including a pass through Kelso during the afternoon and two climbs at Scott’s View, two sprints in Melrose and a double ascent of the climb at Dingleton.
Local success
Paul Magnier took victory on the line in Kelso, with Callum Thornley from Peebles spending much of the day at the front of the race, which saw him take the King of the Mountains jersey and also the Combativity Award.
This was the tenth time in 15 years that the area has held a stage start or finish of the Tour of Britain.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Community and Business Development
“It has been wonderful to see, once again, the Scottish Borders embrace an international-level event and rise to the occasion of playing host to some of the world’s best cyclists.
“The activities in Kelso and Melrose throughout the day kept large numbers of spectators entertained, and it was great to see so many people out on the roadside in communities all along the route.
“The event in previous years has provided a significant economic boost to local businesses and I have no doubt that will be the case again this year. That is one of the drivers for us investing in the event, along with the worldwide exposure it provides for the region, and it also helps to strengthen the South of Scotland’s reputation as Scotland’s leading cycling destination. I’d like to acknowledge the support of EventScotland in bringing the event back to the Borders too.
“We are committed to continuing to work with our partners across the region to achieve the aims of the South of Scotland Cycling Strategy, including investment to support more people to cycle more frequently and continuing to bring the biggest cycling events to the Scottish Borders.”
Commitment to cycling
The South of Scotland Cycling Strategy aims to deliver long term benefits for all our residents and our businesses, from making the region an event location of choice for on and off-road cycling events and cycling holiday destination to supporting active travel and improved health and wellbeing.
Last year the South of Scotland was recognised by world cycling’s governing body as being a UCI Bike Region, due to the commitment to not just elite cycling but cycling for all.
Peter Moore, Chief Executive of NHS Borders
“Stage 1 of the Tour of Britain starting and finishing in Kelso was a fantastic opportunity to get out with friends and family and be inspired by the athletes.
“Whether you are a keen cyclist who went to watch the Tour or haven’t been on a bike since you were a child, why not take this chance to get back into cycling and harness all the benefits of exercise to your physical and mental health.
“The Borders has so many great opportunities for cycling, both for getting around and for enjoying a day out.”
Dressed to impress
Twenty entries from Kelso businesses were received for a window dressing competition, although many other businesses also put up some fantastic displays to celebrate the day.
The three winners were judged as Kitty & Gus, James Stewart & Son, and Patterson’s Paints. All win a radio advertising package.
Images from the race and activities in Kelso are available to view on our Flickr page.