The Tour of Britain is to head north of the border once again in 2011 after logistical reasons meant Scotland was left out of this year's event, which begins on Saturday.
It'll be the first time since the relaunch of the Tour in 2004 that it visits England, Scotland and Wales.
The Grand Depart will take place in the Scottish Borders, with stage one ending in Dumfries and Galloway. Details of the Welsh stage have yet to be announced.
EventScotland are planning to organise a mass participation Tour Ride to coincide with the race, which they believe could attract up to 1,500 participants. When the Tour last visited Scotland in 2009, it gave the area a £2 million boost.
“We're delighted to announce that this world-class event will return to Scotland next year and we're already in the planning stages to ensure that our stage will one of the best of the Tour for everyone involved,” said Paul Bush, chief operating officer for EventScotland.
The 2010 Tour of Britain begins on Saturday in Rochdale and ends in the heart of London on 18 September. Some 100 riders from 17 teams will take part in the UK’s biggest professional cycle race.
