Top class cyclists could return to Dumfries and Galloway in 2022 for Tour Series

Top class cyclists are could return to the region next year.

Organisers of the Tour Series are planning to organise a race in Dumfries and Galloway in 2022.

Castle Douglas held the final round of this year’s series in August as part of the food and bike festival, with thousands of people lining the streets to catch a piece of the action.

Members of the communities committee were told this week that the race – which took place shortly after a number of coronavirus restrictions - “was successfully delivered and provided a morale boost to thousands of local people”.

And a report revealed that Sweetspot, which also organises the Tour of Britain, had “expressed an interest” in holding another round of the series in the region next year.

The exact location will be decided “after consultation with the council and a technical review of prospective sites”.

The Tour Series race is one of the signature events in the council’s major festivals and events strategy.

Councillors agreed to contribute £40,000 from the major festivals and events strategy for next year’s race. £30,000 of that is for the contract fee with £10,000 for local management costs and funding.

The total cost of the contract fee is between £50,000 and £60,000, meaning Sweetspot will need match-funding for the council’s contribution to ensure the race returns in 2022.