Cheltenham could play host to the country’s biggest professional cycle race in 2017, link if the town’s proposal is successful.
The borough council – with support from The Cheltenham Trust – is putting forward plans to host part of Aviva’s Tour of Britain 2017 and conversations with the organisers are encouraging.
This year, although Cheltenham missed out, the 2016 tour will travel through parts of the county on its way to Bath. This will be an exciting opportunity for local communities to enjoy and support the race at a neighbouring town or city, between 4 and 11 September.
Cllr Rowena Hay, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles said: ‘’We presented a strong case for Cheltenham and it’s great to know that the organisers are keen to include us in next year’s event. Having the chance to host part of the tour next year would be a fantastic way to market Cheltenham as a tourist destination as it will draw in huge amounts of visitors. Hopefully it will also inspire residents to become more involved in some of the borough’s wide ranging sport and healthy lifestyle initiatives on offer.
‘’We will continue to work closely with the race organisers towards a commitment for a stage next year. We will do all we can to put Cheltenham on the map for Tour of Britain 2017.’’