Liverpool has today been announced as host city for the opening stage of this year's Tour of Britain, with a city centre crit on Sunday 7 September.
The city is currently riding high in sporting terms, with Liverpool FC top of the Premier League and the Grand National coming up this weekend - and now organisers have revealed that Liverpool will stage the 'Grand Depart' for the UK's largest professional cycling race. Among the stars expected to take part will be last year's winner Sir Bradley Wiggins and other homegrown talent including Mark Cavendish, Alex Dowsett, Ian Stannard and Kristian House.
Stage One of this year's Tour of Britain will start and finish on The Strand, taking in the world-famous backdrop of the Three Graces. It will consist of ten laps of a 13-kilometre circuit.
This is the first time that Liverpool has hosted this prestigious opening stage, although it has been involved with the event before. Liverpool played host to stage finishes in 2006 and 2008, and a mid-race stage start in 2007.
Liverpool's Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member responsible for sport, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: "This is a huge coup for the city. It's wonderful news that this world famous sporting event will begin in Liverpool.
"There's a real momentum building for cycling in this city. The latest figures show more people than ever are using bikes here and there's a real appetite for it at the moment. And with the launch of our cycle hire scheme - the biggest in the UK outside of London - there has never been a better time for Liverpool to host this high profile event."
The Liverpool route will be revealed in the near future, along with details of a mass participation event to coincide with The Tour of Britain's arrival in the city.
Race Director, Mick Bennett, said: "We are delighted that this year's Tour of Britain can start with such a prestigious stage in the centre of Liverpool.
"The opening circuit will be perfectly suited to the sprinters, and whoever wins Stage One will pull on the first yellow jersey of 2014.
"With the support of Liverpool City Council we are looking forward to making this year's Grand Depart a memorable occasion for cycling fans."
The 2014 Tour of Britain will take place across 8 days, from 7 to the 14 September.
In related news, British brand Dare 2b has been announced as Official Clothing Partner to the Tour of Britain. Dare 2b will supply all of the four leader's jerseys for The Tour of Britain, as well as all staff and crew clothing, alongside a range of official merchandise.
The full national route of the Tour of Britain 2014 will be announced later today, with full details published on www.thetour.co.uk.
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