Tour de France route hopes high in the Borders

The leader of Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has said he hopes the Tour de France can come through the region when the race comes to Scotland in 2027.

Edinburgh was unveiled recently as the venue for the Grand Depart but the route for the opening stage has not been revealed.

Euan Jardine said he hoped the track record of the region in hosting cycling events could see the world’s top racers pass through the area.

The 2027 Tour de France stage routes are expected to be officially announced later this year.

Race organisers confirmed Edinburgh would host the start of the men’s race in the summer of 2027 earlier this month.

General director Christian Prudhomme said Scotland would offer a “magnificent backdrop”.

Mr Jardine said he hoped the Borders could make a convincing case for the route to come through his region.

He said Kelso’s Oscar Onley could be a contender for a good finish in the race and the local authority would be working hard to ensure he could compete on roads near where he learned his skills.

“We will be championing for this region to be part of the Tour,” said Mr Jardine.

“It is 100% up to the organisers on where they wish to go with the Tour and how they wish it to be planned out.

“But please be assured that we will be championing for this region to be part of it.”

He said the Borders already had a good reputation in the sport.

“We have showcased what we can do with the Tour of Britain, we have showcased what we can do with so many other opportunities with the UCI world championships,” he said.

“We are used to these big events, we are used to delivering – we have a reputation for doing that.

“I will be reaching out to organisers, working with them saying – please come to the Borders.”

He said it was an “exciting prospect” for Scotland and the sport and could be a real boost to the region.

“In the Borders, we will really put in a campaign to hope that a stage does come to the Borders,” he added.