BORDERS roads will once again play host to the country’s biggest cycle event in September and this week saw the official launch of the Scottish Stage of the 2012 Tour of Britain in Dumfries.
Taking place on September 11, stage three of this year’s tour will undoubtedly be one of the most spectacular.
After leaving Jedburgh the riders will head west, through Hawick and the Craik Forest to St Mary’s Loch. From Moffat the stage heads via Johnstonebridge and Lochmaben, before entering Dumfries for three laps of a short 13km finishing circuit, which will give spectators extra chances to catch a glimpse of the action.
Last year’s stage was won by the ‘Manx-Missile’ Mark Cavendish, who went on to win the World Championships, and fans will be hoping to see the sport’s elite riders, just five weeks after the London Olympics.
Cycling enthusiasts will also be given a unique opportunity to follow in the tyre-tracks of the professionals as the mass-participation tour ride returns for 2012. Taking place on August 26, cyclists have the option of a shorter 93km challenge ride or the full 140km pro ride, which includes the closing circuit in Dumfries, and roads used in previous Tour of Britain stages.
To find out more and to sign-up for the tour ride, head to www.tourride.co.uk