Closed roads, open arms: Tour O The Borders changes hands for 2027

One of Scotland’s best-loved closed-road sportives returns to Peebles on Sunday 5 September 2027, with a new team behind the scenes and the same unforgettable day in the saddle.

From 2027, Borders-based Durty Events will take over the organisation of Tour O The Borders, bringing one of Scotland’s most established cycling events into its growing calendar of outdoor sporting events.

A new team may be in place, but Durty Events are quick to reassure Touro fans that the ride they love will not be changed. That means riders in 2027 will be welcomed by the same start and finish in Peebles, the same choice of two fantastic routes along Border roads, and the friendly atmosphere that has made Touro a fixture in the Scottish cycling calendar.

“Tour O The Borders has been a huge part of my life and I’m incredibly proud of what the event has become,” said Neil Dalgleish of previous Touro organisers Hillside Outside. “It has grown into one of the standout cycling events in Scotland, and it has been fantastic to see so many riders return year after year to experience the Borders’ incredible roads.

“I’m delighted to be handing Tour O The Borders over to Durty Events. They have a fantastic track record of delivering outdoor sporting events and, importantly, they understand what makes events like Touro special.

“For riders, it really is business as usual. The event they know and love is staying firmly in place, but it is now in the hands of a team with the experience, energy and ambition to take it forward. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with it.”

In fact, Durty Events is looking forward to building on what has already made Tour O The Borders such a success.

Founded in 2012, Durty Events has built a reputation for delivering some of Scotland’s most exciting cycling, running, swimming and adventure events. From major participation events to challenging endurance races, the team brings extensive experience of creating memorable days outdoors, making Touro a natural addition to the Durty Events family.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be taking Tour O The Borders into the Durty Events family,” said Paul McGreal, founder of Durty Events. “It’s a brilliant event, in a brilliant part of the country, and it feels like a natural fit for us.

“Neil and the team at Hillside Outside have built something really special. Our job isn’t to change Touro for the sake of change. We want to build on what already works, give riders the same great experience they’ve come to expect, and use our experience, energy and reach to help the event go from strength to strength.

“We can’t wait to welcome riders to Peebles and make Touro 2027 a huge celebration of cycling in the Scottish Borders.”

Le Touro

And 2027 is a particularly exciting year to be riding Touro. With the Tour de France coming to Scotland, the Scottish Borders will be firmly in the spotlight as one of the country’s great cycling destinations. For Touro riders, it adds an extra sense of occasion to an already unmissable year on two wheels.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Le Touro’, the 2027 edition takes riders through some of the Borders’ most iconic landscapes, with the routes featuring the Devil’s Beeftub, Moffat Dale, Grey Mare’s Tail, Talla and the Megget traverse. Whether riders take on the 88km route or go long on the 120km, they can expect a spectacular day of Scottish road cycling, with the roads closed to traffic and the Borders at their very best.

And there is more good news for riders. Standard entry prices have been held at last year’s level of £84, with early bird pricing available for just £74 until 31 January 2027. Both distances are the same price, and riders can even switch between the 88km and 120km routes on the day, giving everyone the flexibility to choose their challenge.

So, if you’ve ridden Touro before, welcome back. If it’s been on your list for a while, 2027 is the year to do it. And if you’ve never experienced a closed-road sportive before, there really is no better place to start.

TOUR O THE BORDERS 2027
Sunday 5 September | Peebles, Scottish Borders
Entries open at 12 noon on Monday 2 November
£74 Early Bird Until 31 January. £84 thereafter.
https://tourotheborders.com
Le Touro. Same great ride. A new chapter.