Plans to bring the Tour Of Britain cycling to the north-east in 2021 and 2022 could be formalised this week.
The country’s biggest cycling race was due to come to finish in Aberdeen this year and depart from the north-east again next summer.
Organisers agreed the most northerly stage of the modern tour after the success of the smaller Tour Series events in Aberdeen in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
It was a chance for the north-east public to see some of the sport’s biggest names in action.
Mark Cavendish was among the names expected to have taken part had the race gone ahead last month.
But in May, the coronavirus pandemic forced organisers to postpone the event until next September.
The original deal had the race‘s final stage setting off for Aberdeen from Stonehaven last month with next year’s grand depart from the Granite City too.
But the existing contract only covers 2020 and 2021, so both north-east councils have to vary the terms to ensure the race can take off from the north-east in two years’ time.
Aberdeen councillors will vote on proposals to do that on Wednesday.
Showcasing the north-east region
City council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “It was really disappointing that the Tour Of Britain couldn’t go ahead this year but obviously it just wasn’t possible in the circumstances.
“Fingers crossed we will be able to welcome the tour in September, it’s good it will just rollover and we haven’t lost the opportunity to host it and showcase the north-east region.
“2021 will be a big year for us with the race following Offshore Europe, if the pandemic is under control.
“Hopefully this kind of thing can help kickstart our economy again and encourage people to come back and visit the city.”
Both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire local authorities each have committed up to £135,000 to cover the cost of the race stage each year.
Tour of Britain
Tour Of Britain costs the race stages, over the two years, at £500,000, although EventScotland has agreed to give £50,000 to the events.
All the financial agreements struck with race promoter Sweetspot – including the contract with Aberdeenshire Council – will have to be agreed again to reflect coronavirus delay.
It has been hoped the cost to both north-east local authorities, splitting the burden equally, can be reduced through securing sponsorship.
But, a report prepared for the city growth committee meeting on Wednesday, highlights fears the economic impact of the pandemic will put firms off shelling out.
Chief city growth officer Richard Sweetnam said: “Officers from the two councils, working with Sweetspot, will continue to collaborate to secure commercial sponsorship of the event that could reduce the councils’ expenditure and the impact to the Common Good Fund.
“However, it is likely that the ability to secure commercial sponsorship will be adversely impacted as a result of the impact of Covid-19 on local sectors.
“In addition, a host location would be legally obliged to cover additional costs associated with the event.
“These costs would be divided on a 50/50 basis with Aberdeenshire Council.”
Organisers estimated the 2019 Tour Of Britain was worth £20.5 million for the nation’s economy, with around 1.4m spectators turning out to watch the action live.
