A bid to get stages of the Tour de France back on British soil is set to be backed by the Government.
Back in 2014, the opening two stages of cycling's most famous race were held in Yorkshire, with the third stage hosted by London.
However, in his Budget on Wednesday, chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to unveil his support for an expanded bid to host stages of the 2026 event, which will include proposals for the peloton to compete in England, Wales and Scotland.
Sunak is set to pledge £30 million to fund bids for the Tour and the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, which was last held in the UK in 2010.
The news has been well received by British Cycling chief executive Brian Facer, who said the 2014 event was proof the UK could successfully host a cycling event of that magnitude.
Speaking to MailSport , he said: "The 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart in Yorkshire was an unforgettable celebration of our sport and is still talked about to this day, inspiring a new generation of cyclists.
"More importantly, those few days showcased our country's credentials as one of the world's best cycling nations, and we're delighted to be supporting the UK Government's bid to bring the sport's showpiece event back to these shores in 2026."
British cycling has boasted a winner in six of the last ten tours, with Chris Froome (four-time winner), Bradley Wiggins, and most recently Geraint Thomas all crossing the line in the famous yellow jersey.
A further £11 million in Government money will go towards the UK and Ireland's bid to host the 2030 World Cup, although that prospect currently appears a speculative one following the trouble which marred the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Sunak said it was important that as many fans as possible got to witness high-class sporting occasions.
"I'm excited at the prospect of bringing more world-class sporting events to the UK," he said.
'That's why I'm backing these British bids, with over £40m of funding to make our case. Our bids will include events taking place across the country, and I'm hopeful that everyone will get a chance to cheer on their sporting heroes."
He went on to say Britain was world-beating in both rugby and cycling, and bringing these events 'home' will allow thousands to watch a generation of sporting talent.
