Councils in the north-east have teamed up to bring one of the world’s biggest cycling events to the region.
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council are poised to make a joint bid for the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain to come north for the first time.
If successful, top bikers from around the world could race through the streets of Aberdeen and through Aberdeenshire’s scenic villages and towns as early as next year.
Council chiefs believe the north-east’s “spectacular landscape” is perfect for the prestigious road race, and would put the region “on the map”.
The televised event takes place over multiple stages across the UK, with 120 elite cyclists completing a gruelling 775-mile route involving hills and sprints.
This year, the further north the race comes is the Borders and Glasgow.
Last month, thousands lined the streets of the Granite City for the third year running to support the OVO Tour Series – boosting footfall by nearly 40%.
It is hoped the larger tour will build on that success, while boosting the economy and bringing in new visitors.
Discussions are ongoing between the two councils and event organisers, with potential routes still to be identified.
Under the plans each council would contribute £100,000, subject to funding.
If their bid is successful, it is hoped the city and shire will be the final stage of the 2020 event and the “grand depart” for the 2021 race.
Jim Gifford, leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “The scenery and spectacular landscapes make this a go-to place, both at a personal and event level.
“It will also have wide-ranging benefits to our economy, drawing in visitors and securing the sort of exposure that the coverage of an event like this brings.”
City council co-leader Jenny Laing said both authorities were working to diversify and cement the north-east’s reputation as a “destination”.
She added: “The opportunity to host the Tour of Britain is a natural progression following the success of the Tour Series, which has won the hearts of the residents and visitors over the past three years.
“Attracting world-class events is central to our plans.”
And tourism businesses said the event could place the region on “the world stage”.
Andrew Martin, director of Robert Gordon University’s Scottish Centre of Tourism, said: “It builds on a sense of place and gives people heart – to know more of these flag-waving events are coming to the region, things which everyone can get together for, is brilliant.
“Aberdeen have struggled for years to bring these kind of events to the forefront, but now we’re geared up and ready.”
And Adrian Watson, chief of Aberdeen Inspired, added: “It’s bold, ambitious and exactly the type of event we want to bring to the north-east.”
