York to host first stage finish of Tour of Britain 2009
Last updated 11/05/2009 11:50:00
York to host first stage finish of Tour of Britain 2009
The historic city of York will host the finish of the first stage of the 2009 Tour of Britain on September 12. The decision gave tourism in the region a massive shot in the arm yesterday with ninety six of the world's top cyclists descending on York.
Sweetspot, organisers of the UK's most prestigious cycle race, announced the route at the London Transport Museum. The 2009 Tour of Britain will take place over eight days beginning in Scunthorpe on Saturday 12th September.
Riders will cycle over the finish line of the first stage in York and the eight day race will finish in the heart of London on Saturday 19th September.
Visit York and the City of York Council, with support from Yorkshire Forward, have been in discussions with the organizers for several months and are delighted to have secured this respected event for York.
This year, The Tour of Britain will visit a total of fourteen venues, some of which will be old favourites of the race such as London and Dumfries and Galloway, while others such as York are new additions to The Tour of Britain.
"This year's event sees The Tour of Britain race into seven new regional venues, and for the first time ever we will have two stages take place in the South West region which will take in both Devon and Somerset," said Michael Bennett, Technical Director of The Tour of Britain. "On the way from the Grand Depart to the final stage in London, riders will face and experience every kind of challenge that the UK's countryside has to offer, while taking in some breathtaking views of our wonderful country."
Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York, said: 'This is a fantastic coup for York and Yorkshire providing an opportunity to showcase the region to an international audience – including participants, spectators and those watching the media coverage of the race from across the world. It's also a great opportunity to demonstrate, as we did with Royal Ascot, York's expertise in hosting large sporting events. Working with our partners in the City of York Council and Yorkshire Forward, we aim to ensure that this event combined with York's new cycling city status will help to put York on the cycle map.'