The Tour of Britain could be set for a return to the Stewartry after a three year absence.
Organisers of the race, which attracts a world class field of cyclists, have announced the first stage of this year’s competition will finish in Dumfries and Galloway.
The last time the race came to the region was in 2016 when the opening test finished in Castle Douglas, Germany’s Andre Griepel coming out on top.
The council’s events champion, Adam Wilson said: “Cycling fans in our corner of Scotland will be thrilled with the news that the Tour of Britain is to return to Dumfries and Galloway.
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“The tour is a much loved event here and we are proud of our long association with the UK’s most significant cycling event.
“To host stage one is a great privilege that we are delighted to accept and will work to ensure is a great success.”
The race will set off from Glasgow’s George Square on Saturday, September 7, before finishing in Dumfries and Galloway at a location yet to be revealed.
It’s the ninth time in all that the Tour of Britain has come to the area with former Team GB cyclist Mark Cavendish among previous stage winners.
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Castle Douglas has regularly hosted the event and the 2016 stage finish attracted a crowd of 10,000 people, generating nearly £250,000 for the local economy.
British Cycling’s chief executive Julie Harrington said: “This announcement is a further feather in the cap for Scotland which has consistently proved itself to be a fantastic host for some of cycling’s biggest events in recent years.
“We share with all of our event partners a determination that these events should not only showcase the very best of cycling at elite level but provide necessary inspiration for people across Scotland and Great Britain to get out on their bikes.
