Cyclists descend on Scottish Borders for two major racing events

Thousands of amateur cyclists and some of the world's top professionals are taking to the road in the Scottish Borders.

Two major events are taking place later in the region, which is set to host the Tour de France next year.

The final stage of the elite Tour of Britain men's race is being held on a circular route, beginning and ending at Earlston.

At the same time, riders will come from across the UK and beyond to test themselves in the Tour O The Borders which starts and finishes in Peebles. The two routes do not overlap.

Tour O The Borders is one of only three closed-road cycling sportives in the UK, and boasts "a reputation for an excellent course and stunning scenery".

More than 2,000 riders are expected to take part in what is being billed as the last big road cycling event in the region before the Tour de France visits next year.

Neil Dalgleish of organisers Hillside Outside said they had done everything possible to ensure it ran as smoothly as possible.

"We know 'Touro' causes some disruption but we've worked hard to reduce the inconvenience," he said.

"The event brings a huge amount of money and cycling reputation to the area.

"We've been shouting about how good the cycling is here for a long time now, and it's great to see so many people travelling to take part.

"The icing on the cake is the Tour de France coming next year – you can't get a better endorsement for the Borders than that."

Scottish Borders Council said it was "delighted" to be hosting the final stage of the Tour of Britain.

A statement said the most recent visit by the race had delivered nearly £2.5m in economic benefits for the region.

"This is a very significant return on the council's investment to bring the event to the area," it said.

The council said every effort was being made to limit any disruption.

"Outwith Earlston, Sunday's Tour of Britain will operate with a rolling road closure, which will have minimal impact on the travelling public," it said.

"The length of the closure will depend entirely on the race itself and the gaps between the first and last riders."

It added that the Tour O The Borders was also estimated to be worth more than £750,000 to the local economy.

It said the road closures for the event were also aimed at minimising any impact on local residents.

"The two events are taking place in different areas of the Scottish Borders and we believe are entirely complementary," the statement added.

"The date for Tour O The Borders was set before we were able to secure the opportunity with British Cycling Ventures to host the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men."

It said hosting the events ensured media coverage and exposure the region would not otherwise enjoy.