The north-east will have to wait until September 2021 for the Tour of Britain to debut after its postponement due to Covid-19
Both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire had been prepared to welcome the nation’s biggest cycle race, along with some of the world’s top riders.
Starting in Cornwall, the Granite City was earmarked to host the prestigious event’s final stage.
Due to serious doubts that any large scale gatherings will take place before a Covid-19 vaccine or cure is found and concerns for health and well-being, the elite contest has been postponed until 2021.
But when it does resume, it will still come to the north-east and the riders will still take on the famous Cairn O’ Mount climb before cycling to a finish in Aberdeen city centre.
And there are hopes its popularity and economic benefits will help the north-east recover after lockdown.
Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, councillor Jim Gifford, said: “Of course it is disappointing to hear of the postponement of the Tour of Britain, but it feels like the correct decision has been taken in the current circumstances.”
“The team involved in bringing this stage to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have been working hard in the background throughout this pandemic to look at the various options and can now begin to focus their efforts on next year.
“I know the communities of Aberdeenshire will be looking forward to the rescheduled date and the global audience will have the chance to see how truly spectacular Aberdeenshire is in 2021.”
The tour is broadcast around the world and will, when it returns, showcase Aberdeenshire’s stunning landscape and the city of Aberdeen and its surroundings.
Around 1.5 million spectators line-up to watch its various stages from the roadside, with many more watching from home.
Organisers had previously said the last tour generated £20.5 million for the British economy.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader, councillor Jenny Laing, said: “We appreciate the cancellation of the Tour of Britain will be a disappointment to many but we must be mindful of the ongoing Covid-19 situation and I’m sure people will regard the decision taken by organisers as the correct one.”
Even though the race itself has been cancelled this year, organisers hope to work with the local authority to celebrate the event in some manner in September.
The decision to not hold the event behind closed doors like a number of other sporting events are now planning has been made due to impracticality and the potential of robbing venues of income they would otherwise receive during the tour’s stay in the region.
Mrs Laing added:“Through our Aberdeen 365 events programme and city centre masterplan, Aberdeen City Council is committed to making Aberdeen a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
“We will continue to work with partners to ensure that when the event comes to the region in 2021, we are even better placed to celebrate what Aberdeen has to offer visitors.
“I also anticipate that attracting footfall throughout the city centre will be key to supporting our economic recovery and 2021 will be an important part of our plans to emerge from this pandemic in as strong a position as possible.”
