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Cyclists taking part in the Tour DoonHame will ride by the smithy where the pedal bicycle was reputedly invented in 1839 – Keir Mill in Dumfriesshire.
The three-stage 265-mile race will include family-friendly and spectator activities at each stage finish over the Easter break.
Around 140 of the UK’s top cyclists are expected to take part in the Tour DoonHame, which is sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables and funded by EventScotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
“Watching a cycling race is great fun but it’s a sport that is not very well known outside the Tour de France,” Tour DoonHame organiser Ian Sinclair of Wallacehill Cycling Club said. “The Tour DoonHame has all the same elements of its more famous cousin, with King of the Mountains and Sprint sections, plus a gruelling route travelled at speeds that will amaze spectators. We’ve organised the race and the routes this year with spectators in mind, cycling is fun, and the 2011 Tour DoonHame is all about having lots of fun this Easter.”
Steven Lindsay of ScottishPower Renewables added: “ScottishPower Renewables is very supportive of cycling and of events and initiatives that encourage tourism and economic development, especially around our developments. Dumfries & Galloway’s varied landscapes and quiet roads make it one of the best places in the UK to cycle by road, and I’m particularly pleased to see the 2011 routes venturing further afield, up into the Lowther hills and back to the birthplace of the bicycle, Keir Mill.”
Paul Bush OBE, COO of EventScotland said: “Cycling is a sport that is increasing in popularity across Scotland – both as a recreational activity and competitively. Scotland will enjoy a number of cycling events this year and Tour DoonHame is a stand out on the calendar as it embraces the year of Active. It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved and enjoy the wonderful location of Dumfries and Galloway, which is the perfect stage for events such as this.”
Stage one takes place on April 23rd. Find out more at www.tourdoonhame.info
